Swimming pool disinfectants produce hypochlorous acid upon dissolution. The weak acid ionizes as follows:  HClO (aq) ⇄  H+ (aq) + ClO‒ (aq)            Ka=3.0 x 10 ‒8 As strong oxidizing agents, both acid and its conjugate base kill bacteria. However, too high [HClO] is irritating to swimmers’ eyes and too high [ClO‒] will cause the ions to decompose in sunlight. The recommended pH to circumvent both problems is 7.8. Determine the ratio of the weak acid and its conjugate base at this pH.

Chemistry for Engineering Students
4th Edition
ISBN:9781337398909
Author:Lawrence S. Brown, Tom Holme
Publisher:Lawrence S. Brown, Tom Holme
Chapter12: Chemical Equilibrium
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 12.11PAE
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Swimming pool disinfectants produce hypochlorous acid upon dissolution. The weak acid ionizes as follows: 

HClO (aq)  H+ (aq) + ClO‒ (aq)            Ka=3.0 x 10 ‒8

As strong oxidizing agents, both acid and its conjugate base kill bacteria. However, too high [HClO] is irritating to swimmers’ eyes and too high [ClO‒] will cause the ions to decompose in sunlight. The recommended pH to circumvent both problems is 7.8. Determine the ratio of the weak acid and its conjugate base at this pH.



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