BackAcids, Bases, pH, and Titration Study Guide for GOB College Chemistry
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Q1. Define the following: Arrhenius Acid, Arrhenius Base, Brønsted–Lowry Acid, Brønsted–Lowry Base.
Background
Topic: Acid-Base Theory
This question tests your understanding of the fundamental definitions of acids and bases according to two major theories: Arrhenius and Brønsted–Lowry.
Key Terms:
Arrhenius Acid: Substance that increases H+ concentration in water.
Arrhenius Base: Substance that increases OH- concentration in water.
Brønsted–Lowry Acid: Proton (H+) donor.
Brønsted–Lowry Base: Proton (H+) acceptor.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the Arrhenius definition: Acids produce H+ ions, bases produce OH- ions in aqueous solution.
Recall the Brønsted–Lowry definition: Acids donate protons, bases accept protons.
Think about examples for each definition (e.g., HCl for Arrhenius acid, NH3 for Brønsted–Lowry base).
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q2. When a hydrogen atom loses an electron, it becomes a: ____________.
Background
Topic: Atomic Structure
This question tests your understanding of what happens to a hydrogen atom when it loses its only electron.
Key Terms:
Hydrogen atom: 1 proton, 1 electron.
Ion: Atom or molecule with a net charge.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Consider the composition of a hydrogen atom (proton + electron).
When the electron is lost, only the proton remains.
Think about what this particle is called in chemistry.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q3. Water naturally forms: ____________ and ____________ ions.
Background
Topic: Autoionization of Water
This question tests your knowledge of the ions produced when water autoionizes.
Key Terms:
Autoionization: Water molecules react to form ions.
Hydronium ion ($\text{H}_3\text{O}^+$) and hydroxide ion ($\text{OH}^-$).
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the autoionization equation: $\text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ + \text{OH}^-$.
Identify the two ions formed.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q4. Write products of acid or base dissociation and balance the equation as needed:
H2SO4 → ____________
HCl → ____________
H3PO4 → ____________
CH3COOH → ____________
Background
Topic: Acid/Base Dissociation
This question tests your ability to write dissociation equations for common acids and bases.
Key Terms:
Dissociation: Splitting of a compound into ions in solution.
Balance: Ensure charge and atom balance in equations.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Write the formula for each acid or base.
Determine the ions produced upon dissociation.
Balance the equation for charge and atoms.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q5. Know properties of acids and bases.
Background
Topic: Properties of Acids and Bases
This question tests your knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of acids and bases.
Key Terms:
Acids: Sour taste, react with metals, turn litmus red.
Bases: Bitter taste, slippery feel, turn litmus blue.
Step-by-Step Guidance
List common properties for acids (taste, reactivity, color change).
List common properties for bases (taste, feel, color change).
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q6. Translate the name of a substance into its molecular formula.
HNO3 → ____________
NH3 → ____________
HF → ____________
H2CO3 → ____________
Ca(OH)2 → ____________
H3PO4 → ____________
HBr → ____________
CH3COOH → ____________
Fe(OH)3 → ____________
HCl → ____________
Background
Topic: Chemical Nomenclature
This question tests your ability to match compound names to their molecular formulas.
Key Terms:
Nomenclature: System for naming chemical compounds.
Formula: Representation of elements and their ratios.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall the rules for naming acids and bases.
Match each name to its correct formula.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q7. Practice: Complete the following equations
Autoionization of water: H2O + H2O →
Carbonic acid mixed with water (donates 1 proton) →
Hydroiodic acid mixed with water →
Full dissociation of potassium hydroxide →
Partial dissociation of lead (II) hydroxide →
Formation of acetic acid →
Formation of ammonium when ammonia is mixed in water →
Background
Topic: Chemical Reactions and Dissociation
This question tests your ability to write and complete chemical equations for acid/base reactions.
Key Terms:
Dissociation: Separation into ions.
Formation: Combination to produce a compound.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Write the reactants for each equation.
Determine the products based on the type of reaction (acid/base, dissociation, formation).
Balance the equation for atoms and charge.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q8. The pH scale measures ____________. Neutral pH = ____. Acidic range = ________ to ________. Basic range = ________ to ________.
Background
Topic: pH Scale
This question tests your understanding of what the pH scale measures and the ranges for acidic, neutral, and basic solutions.
Key Terms and Formulas:
pH: Measure of hydrogen ion concentration.
Neutral pH: 7
Acidic: pH < 7
Basic: pH > 7

Step-by-Step Guidance
Recall what pH measures (hydrogen ion concentration).
Identify the value for neutral pH.
Determine the ranges for acidic and basic solutions.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q9. Concept Questions: Why is the pH scale logarithmic? What is a diprotic acid? What is a monobasic base? What happens to pH when hydrogen ion concentration increases? Why is even a small change in pH important in biological systems? Why do antacids reduce heartburn? Human blood is slightly basic. Why is this important? A hydrangea plant changes flower color due to:
Background
Topic: Acid/Base Concepts and Biological Relevance
This question tests your understanding of pH, acid/base types, and their importance in biological and chemical systems.
Key Terms:
Logarithmic scale: Each unit change is a tenfold change in concentration.
Diprotic acid: Can donate two protons.
Monobasic base: Can accept one proton.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Explain why pH is logarithmic (concentration changes by powers of ten).
Define diprotic acid and monobasic base.
Describe the effect of increasing hydrogen ion concentration on pH.
Discuss the importance of pH in biological systems.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q10. pH Calculations: [H+] = 1.0 × 10⁻³ M → pH = ____________. pH = 4.0 → [H+] = ____________. [OH-] = 1.0 × 10⁻⁵ M → pOH = ____________ → pH = ____________.
Background
Topic: pH and pOH Calculations
This question tests your ability to calculate pH, pOH, and ion concentrations using logarithmic relationships.
Key Formulas:
$\text{pH} = -\log_{10}[\text{H}^+]$
$\text{pOH} = -\log_{10}[\text{OH}^-]$
$\text{pH} + \text{pOH} = 14$
$[\text{H}^+] = 10^{-\text{pH}}$
$[\text{OH}^-] = 10^{-\text{pOH}}$

Step-by-Step Guidance
For each calculation, identify the formula needed (logarithmic or exponential).
Plug in the given values and set up the calculation.
For pH and pOH, remember to use base 10 logarithms.
For conversions, use $\text{pH} + \text{pOH} = 14$.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q11. Find the pH of a solution containing 0.04M hydrocyanic acid. Is HCN a strong or a weak acid?
Background
Topic: Weak Acid pH Calculation
This question tests your ability to calculate the pH of a weak acid solution and classify the acid's strength.
Key Terms and Formulas:
Weak acid: Does not fully dissociate.
Ka: Acid dissociation constant.
$\text{HCN} \rightleftharpoons \text{H}^+ + \text{CN}^-$
$\text{Ka} = \frac{[\text{H}^+][\text{CN}^-]}{[\text{HCN}]}$

Step-by-Step Guidance
Write the dissociation equation for HCN.
Set up the ICE table (Initial, Change, Equilibrium) for concentrations.
Use the Ka value for HCN from the table.
Set up the equation $\text{Ka} = \frac{x^2}{0.04 - x}$, where x is [H+].
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q12. Find the pH of a solution containing 0.3M methylamine. Is CH3NH2 a strong or a weak base?
Background
Topic: Weak Base pH Calculation
This question tests your ability to calculate the pH of a weak base solution and classify the base's strength.
Key Terms and Formulas:
Weak base: Does not fully dissociate.
Kb: Base dissociation constant.
$\text{CH}_3\text{NH}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{CH}_3\text{NH}_3^+ + \text{OH}^-$
$\text{Kb} = \frac{[\text{CH}_3\text{NH}_3^+][\text{OH}^-]}{[\text{CH}_3\text{NH}_2]}$

Step-by-Step Guidance
Write the dissociation equation for methylamine.
Set up the ICE table for concentrations.
Use the Kb value for methylamine from the table.
Set up the equation $\text{Kb} = \frac{x^2}{0.3 - x}$, where x is [OH-].
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q13. What is the concentration of hydronium ions when a solution pH is 2.33?
Background
Topic: pH and Ion Concentration
This question tests your ability to convert pH to hydronium ion concentration.
Key Formula:
$[\text{H}_3\text{O}^+] = 10^{-\text{pH}}$

Step-by-Step Guidance
Identify the formula for hydronium ion concentration.
Plug in the pH value to the formula.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q14. Find [H+] and pH of a weak monoprotic acid that has: Ka = 2.2 × 10⁻⁶, Initial acid concentration = 0.135 M
Background
Topic: Weak Acid Equilibrium
This question tests your ability to use the acid dissociation constant (Ka) to find equilibrium concentrations and pH.
Key Formula:
$\text{Ka} = \frac{[\text{H}^+][\text{A}^-]}{[\text{HA}]}$
Step-by-Step Guidance
Write the dissociation equation for the acid.
Set up the ICE table for concentrations.
Use the Ka value and initial concentration to set up the equation $\text{Ka} = \frac{x^2}{0.135 - x}$.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q15. Find [OH-], pOH, and pH of a weak monobasic base that has: Kb = 3.1 × 10⁻⁹, Concentration = 0.07 M
Background
Topic: Weak Base Equilibrium
This question tests your ability to use the base dissociation constant (Kb) to find equilibrium concentrations, pOH, and pH.
Key Formula:
$\text{Kb} = \frac{[\text{OH}^-][\text{BH}^+]}{[\text{B}]}$
Step-by-Step Guidance
Write the dissociation equation for the base.
Set up the ICE table for concentrations.
Use the Kb value and initial concentration to set up the equation $\text{Kb} = \frac{x^2}{0.07 - x}$.
Once you solve for x ([OH-]), use $\text{pOH} = -\log_{10}[\text{OH}^-]$ and $\text{pH} = 14 - \text{pOH}$.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q16. Calculate Q, compare Q to Ka, and state direction of shift for the following:
[H+] = 1.5 × 10⁻³ M, [A-] = 2.5 × 10⁻³ M, [HA] = 0.25 M, Ka = 1.1 × 10⁻⁵
[OH-] = 1.48 × 10⁻⁷ M, [BH+] = 1.48 × 10⁻⁷ M, [B] = 0.1 M, Kb = 2.2 × 10⁻¹³
[OH-] = 1.5 × 10⁻³ M, [BH+] = 1.5 × 10⁻³ M, [B] = 0.05 M, Kb = 9.3 × 10⁻¹²
Background
Topic: Reaction Quotient and Equilibrium
This question tests your ability to calculate the reaction quotient (Q), compare it to the equilibrium constant (Ka or Kb), and predict the direction of the reaction shift.
Key Formula:
$Q = \frac{[\text{products}]}{[\text{reactants}]}$
Compare Q to Ka or Kb: If Q < K, reaction shifts right; if Q > K, reaction shifts left.
Step-by-Step Guidance
Calculate Q for each scenario using the given concentrations.
Compare Q to Ka or Kb.
Predict the direction of the reaction shift based on the comparison.
Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!
Q17. Plot the titration curve for Fe(OH)3 + HCl and label all its parts. Assume 1 equivalence point.
Background
Topic: Titration Curves
This question tests your ability to interpret and label a titration curve for a weak base and strong acid reaction.
Key Terms:
Titration: Gradual addition of one solution to another to determine concentration.
Equivalence point: Point where stoichiometric amounts of acid and base have reacted.

Step-by-Step Guidance
Draw the axes: pH (y-axis) vs. volume of titrant (x-axis).
Mark the starting pH (weak base).
Identify the equivalence point and label it.
Label regions: before, at, and after equivalence point.