HSC CHEMISTRY LESSON PLAN 15

3.2.1 Solve problems and perform a first-hand investigation to use pH meters/probes and indicators
to distinguish between acidic, basic and neutral chemicals

METHOD

1. Place 5 test tubes into a test tube holder

2. Add 1M HCl into one, distilled water into one, 1M NaOH into another, NH3 into the next and 1M
CH3COOH into the last and record which test tube contains which chemical

3. Calibrate a pH meter

4. Place it in the 1M HCl and record the pH

5. Wash the meter with distilled water

6. Repeat steps 3-5 with 1M NaOH, NH3, 1M CH3COOH and distilled water

7. Repeat experiment 10 times for more reliable results

Compare the results of the investigation with other class members to investigate reliability.

Use this space to write down the method used in class

3.2.2 Plan and perform a first-hand investigation to measure the pH of identical concentrations of
strong and weak acids

METHOD

1. Place 2 test tubes into a test tube holder

2. Add 1M HCl into one and 1M CH3COOH into the last and record which test tube contains which
chemical
3. Calibrate a pH meter

4. Place it in the 1M HCl and record the pH

5. Wash the meter with distilled water

6. Repeat steps 3-5 with 1M CH3COOH

7. Repeat experiment 10 times for more reliable results

Compare the results of the investigation with other class members to investigate reliability.

Use this space to write down the method used in class

3.2.3 Gather and process information from secondary sources to write ionic equations to represent
the ionisation of acids

HCl (g) + H2O (l) H3O+ (aq) + Cl‫( ־‬aq)

HNO3 (l) + H2O (l) H3O+ (aq) + NO3- (aq)

H2SO4 (l) + H2O (l) H3O+ (aq) + HSO42‫־‬

HBr (aq) + H2O H3O+ (aq) + Br- (aq)

HI (aq) + H2O H3O+ (aq) + I- (aq)

CH3COOH (s) + H2O (l) H3O+ (aq) + CH3COO‫( ־‬aq)

H2CO3 (aq) + H2O (l) H3O+(aq) + HCO3- (aq)

H2SO3 (aq) + H2O (l) H3O+(aq) + HSO3- (aq)

H2S (aq) + H2O (l) H3O+ (aq) + HS- (aq)

Use this space to make your own notes

3.2.4 Use available evidence to model the molecular nature of acids and simulate the ionisation of
strong and weak acids

A computer simulation showed the different ionisations of strong and weak acids

It showed HCl acid which is a strong monoprotic acid, completely ionising into H+ and Cl- in solution
according to:

HCl (g) + H2O (l) H3O+ (aq) + Cl‫( ־‬aq)

It also showed a CH3COOH ionisation which is a monoprotic weak acid ionising very little,
forming equilibrium between the intact CH3COOH molecule and its ionised H+ and CH3COO-
in solution according:

CH3COOH (s) + H2O (l) H3O+ (aq) + CH3COO‫( ־‬aq)

Use this space to make your own notes

3.2.5 Gather and process information from secondary sources to explain the use of acids as food
additives

Acids are added to foods as additives for 3 main reasons:

 They inhibit microbial growth

 Micro-organisms such as salmonella are unable to reproduce in conditions of low pH caused
by the addition of acids
 Acids are also added to give a sour taste to food as they lower the pH level of many foods

Acetic acid is used in this manner to fruits and vegetables such as pickles to inhibit microbial growth
and extend the life of the food. Propanoic acid (CH3CH2COOH) is added to control mould growth in
bread.

SO2 is also added to fruits and wines to prevent mould build up as when it is added it is able to form
an H2SO3. It is also used to preserve meat such as Devon.

CO2 is added to soft drinks such as coke forming H2CO3 to give a sharp taste and add flavour. Citric
Acid (H3C6H5O7) is also added to soft drinks as flavour enhancer for a sharp taste.

NOTE: The additives are usually WEAK ACIDS

Use this space to make your own notes

3.2.6 Identify data, gather and process information from secondary sources to identify examples of
naturally occurring acids and bases and their chemical composition

1. Citric acid (C6H8O7) and absorbic acid (C6H8O6) are found in citrus fruits such as oranges,
lemons and mandarins
2. HCl is found in the stomachs of the digestive systems of animals including humans
3. Lactic Acid (CH3CHOHCOOH) is found naturally in sour milk and yoghurt
4. Acetic Acid (CH3COOH) is produced naturally through the fermentation of sugars in fruit juices
and wines
5. Methanoic Acid (HCOOH) occurs naturally in ant stings
6. Ammonia (NH3) is found naturally in volcanic gases and as a product of decomposition of animal
and vegetable matter
7. Theophylline, a base, (C7H8N4O2) is a white odourless crystalline powder found in tea

Use this space to make your own notes

3.2.7 Process information from secondary sources to calculate pH of strong acids given appropriate
hydrogen ion concentrations

1. Start with a balanced equation to show ionisation

2. Calculate pH or [H+] using pH= -log10[H+] depending on information given

Note whether acid is monoprotic or diprotic (multiply [H+] by2)

3. Round answer off to lowest no. of significant figures.

E.g. Calculate the pH of 0.1 mol L-1 solution of sulfuric acid if it completely ionises.

[H+] = 2 x 0.1 molL-1

= 0.2 mol L-1

Using pH = -log10[H+], pH = -log10 0.2

= 0.698…..

= 0.7 (1Sig. Fig.)

Questions

1. Calculate the pH of 0.05 mol L-1 citric acid if it has an ionisation rate of 50% (2 mark)

2. You performed a first-hand investigation to distinguish between acidic, basic and neutral
substances.

a. Describe the method undertaken (2 marks)

b. Evaluate the validity and accuracy of the investigation (3 marks)
3. Explain how the properties of acids allows them to be used as food additives (3 marks)

4. Using a diagram model the ionisation of concentrated ethanoic acid (2 marks)