Determining pH of 1 mM NaCO3 Solution

At equilibrium:

[Na+] + [H+] = [OH-] + [HCO3-] + 2[CO32-]

Physico-chemical Principles and Processes

Aquatic Chemistry of Salt Solutions

Salt:
A salt is a chemically neutral ionic compound which, if dissolved in water,
completely dissociates into cations and anions.
When dissolved in water, the ionic components of some salts react with the components
of water and raise the pH of the solution. Such salts are known as Basic Salts and are
bases for all practical purposes. Example: NaHCO3
When dissolved in water, the ionic components of some salts react with the components
of water and lower the pH of the solution. Such salts are known as Acid Salts and are
acids for all practical purposes. Example: Al 2(SO4)3
Neutral salts are those that are neither acidic nor basic salts. When dissolved in water,
they do not impact the pH of the solution. Example: NaCl
Example Problem
What is the pH of 10-4 M NaAc solution?

NaAc

Na

Ac
NaAc is completely dissociated,
,

HAc

Ac - H

Further,
[Ac-] + [HAc] = CA = 10-4M
[H+].[OH-] = Kw = 10-14

[Na +] = 10-4 M

K = 10-4.8

[H ].[Ac ]
K
10 4.8
[HAc]

pK = 4.8

Physico-chemical Principles and Processes