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Multiple Choice
What is the pH of a 0.280 M solution of (CH_3)_2NH (dimethylamine)? The K_b of (CH_3)_2NH is 5.4 \(\times\) 10^{-4}.
A
12.10
B
2.90
C
11.23
D
9.85
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the species involved: (CH_3)_2NH (dimethylamine) is a weak base. We are given its concentration (0.280 M) and its base dissociation constant, K_b = 5.4 \(\times\) 10^{-4}.
Write the base dissociation equilibrium for dimethylamine in water: \(\mathrm{(CH_3)_2NH + H_2O \rightleftharpoons (CH_3)_2NH_2^+ + OH^-}\).
Set up an ICE table (Initial, Change, Equilibrium) to express the concentrations of species at equilibrium. Let \(x\) be the concentration of OH\(^-\) produced:
Write the expression for the base dissociation constant \(K_b\) in terms of \(x\(: \[K_b = \frac{[\mathrm{OH^-}][(CH_3)_2NH_2^+]}{[(CH_3)_2NH]} = \frac{x \times x}{0.280 - x} \approx \frac{x^2}{0.280}\] (assuming \)x\) is small compared to 0.280).
Solve for \(x\) (the OH\(^-\) concentration) by rearranging the equation: \[x = \sqrt{K_b \times 0.280}.\] Then calculate the pOH using \[\mathrm{pOH} = -\log[OH^-] = -\log x,\] and finally find the pH using \[\mathrm{pH} = 14 - \mathrm{pOH}.\]