Valeric acid, HC5H9O2 (Ka = 1.5 ✕ 10−5), is used in the manufacture of magnesium valerate, a nerve-calming agent. What is the hydronium ion concentration (in M) in a 0.737 M solution of HC5H9O2? (Assume Kw = 1.01 ✕ 10−14.)

Explanation:

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In this case, considering the dissociation of valeric acid as:

Its corresponding law of mass action is:

Now, by means of the change due to dissociation, it becomes:

Solving for we obtain:

Thus, since the concentration of hydronium equals , the answer is:

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