f)
i) [2 marks]
Concentration of methanoic acid solution that has a pH the same as IV (2.1)
using Ka found from data booklet, we find the equilibrium concentration of methanoic acid to be 0.350M
however, if we add the concentration of H+ at equilibrium, we will have 0.358M for initial concentration
so it's either 0.35M or 0.36M.
Which one VCAA accept/want will be a completely different matter. It's only 2 marks.
Right...so they wanted a value from the data booklet for 2 marks??
I calculated [H+] from pH of Acid IV, and then let that equal [HCOOH] = 7.9x10^-3 M ...since it is monoprotic
In supposition this is completely off, but in the exam I could not imagine the question to be asking us to look up that figure in the data booklet!
*edit* Well, now I see that you added [H+] to that value, took me a while

---
While I'm at it I'd appreciate elucidation on this:
e) [2 marks]
diluting I and IV by a factor of 10. We note that IV is a weak acid (incomplete ionisation), hence dilution will increase the percentage ionisation. Also note that I is a strong acid, hence dilution will not increase the number of moles of H+. Hence the change in pH will be greater for I than IV.
So, we needed to observe Ka [equilibrium] principles? I thought dilution would affect each acid in the same way, adding 1 to the pH value of both.
*edit* Is it incorrect to assume pH=2.1 => strong acid? Although, I am aware that acidity strength relates to Ka
It almost seems...unreasonable to me that they should expect us to take that into consideration. I thought they were testing us on the formula for interchanging pH / concentration, hence in my solution:
e) Same change in pH, +1 (tick the third box)
Since dilution by a factor of 10 <=> divide [H+] by 10,
new pH = -log10{[H+]/10} = old pH - log10(.1) = old pH 1 + 1 => same change in pH for both acids (+1)