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Reviewed CSCA Chemistry question · Standard

A student prepares a solution by dissolving 0.050 mol of a strong diprotic acid H2A in enough water to make 250.0 mL of solution. What is the pH of the resulting solution? Assume complete dissociation.

  1. 0.30
  2. 0.60
  3. 1.00
  4. 1.30
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Correct answer

C. 1.00

Principle or equation

For a strong diprotic acid, complete dissociation gives two moles of H+ per mole of acid. pH = -log[H+].

Why this answer is correct

Molarity of H2A = 0.050 mol / 1.00 L = 0.050 M. [H+] = 2 × 0.050 = 0.10 M. pH = -log(0.10) = 1.00.

Example

If 0.020 mol of H2SO4 is dissolved to make 0.500 L, [H+] = 2 × (0.020/0.500) = 0.080 M, pH = 1.10.

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