Write a balanced chemical equation for the equilibrium reaction occurring in a buffer containing NH3 and NH4Cl. Write the equation so that its equilibrium constant is equivalent to Ka.

Question

Write a balanced chemical equation for the equilibrium reaction occurring in a buffer containing NH₃ and NH₄Cl. Write the equation so that its equilibrium constant is equivalent to K_a.



Answer 1

NH₄Cl(aq) <==> NH₃(aq) + HCl(aq) ... Keq = Ka = [NH₃][HCl] / [NH₄Cl]

Eliminating spectator ion, we have...

NH₄⁺(aq) <==> H⁺(aq) + NH₃(aq) ... Keq = Ka = [H⁺][NH₃] / [NH₄⁺]