Describe the effect on \(\mathrm{pH}\) (increase, decrease, or no change) that results from each of the following additions: (a) potassium acetate to an acetic acid solution; (b) ammonium nitrate to an ammonia solution; (c) sodium formate (HCOONa) to a formic acid (HCOOH) solution; (d) potassium chloride to a hydrochloric acid solution; (e) barium iodide to a hydroiodic acid solution.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The addition of (a) potassium acetate to an acetic acid solution increases the pH; (b) addition of ammonium nitrate to an ammonia solution decreases the pH; (c) addition of sodium formate to a formic acid solution increases the pH; (d) addition of potassium chloride to a hydrochloric acid solution does not change the pH; and (e) addition of barium iodide to a hydroiodic acid solution does not change the pH.

Step by step solution

01

Analyze changes to acetic acid solution when potassium acetate is added

Potassium acetate is the salt form of the weak acid, acetic acid. When potassium acetate is added to acetic acid, it will dissociate completely since salts are strong electrolytes. This increases the concentration of the acetate ions (\(CH3COO^-\)) in the solution which, being the conjugate base of the acetic acid, will absorb some of the H+ ions from the solution. This increases the pH of the solution.
02

Analyze changes to ammonia solution when ammonium nitrate is added

Ammonium nitrate is a salt formed from the base ammonia and a strong acid, nitric acid. When the salt is added to an ammonia solution, it dissociates completely. The ammonium ions (\(NH4^+\)) released into solution release a proton to become ammonia, thus increasing the concentration of H+ ions in the solution. This decreases the pH of the solution.
03

Analyze changes to formic acid solution when sodium formate is added

Sodium formate is the salt of formic acid. Hence, when added to formic acid, it increases the concentration of formate ions (\(HCOO^-\)) in the solution. Being the conjugate base of formic acid, these ions will absorb H+ ions, thereby increasing the pH.
04

Analyze changes to hydrochloric acid solution when potassium chloride is added

Portassium chloride is a salt and when added to a hydrochloric acid solution, it dissociates completely. However, both the ions it releases (\(K^+\) and \(Cl^-\)) do not interact with water to change the H+ or OH- levels. Therefore, the pH of the solution remains unchanged.
05

Analyze changes to hydroiodic acid solution when barium iodide is added

Barium iodide, being a salt of a strong acid (HI), will dissociate completely when added to a hydroiodic acid solution. However, since both ions it releases (\(Ba^{2+}\) and \(I^-\)) do not interact with water to change the proton or hydroxide ion concentration, the pH of the solution remains unchanged.

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