A rigorous treatment of the acid - base equilibrium problem is given. We start with four equations in four unknowns, and derive an expression for the proton concentration in terms of Ka and initial acid concentration. This results in a cubic equation which can be solved with the solver function on a TI-83 calculator.
We derive an equation for the concentration of protons in of a very dilute solution of a strong acid. Our starting point is the same four equations, but further simplifications are possible. The result is a quadratic equation in proton concentration.
To prepare for this lecture, please read sections 7.8 through 7.11 of Zumdahl.
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Click here to receive a copy of of some calculator programs (TI-83) for doing equilibrium problems.
Click here to receive a copy of of some calculator programs (TI-85/86) for doing equilibrium problems.
Click here to receive a copy of of some calculator programs (TI-89/92) for doing equilibrium problems.