Past exam of the chemistry course of the year 1 of the natural sciences course of the University of Cambridge / 2025 / 4 / a

With ideal thermodynamic activities $a_i=[i]/c^{\circ }$, the dimensionless acid dissociation constant isThe factor $c^{\circ }$ makes the equilibrium constant compatible with ${\Delta }_r{G}^{\circ }=-RT\ln K_a$. If the concentration quotient without $c^{\circ }$ is used instead, it has concentration units and its numerical value is identical only when the standard concentration is expressed as $1\mathrm{M}$.

The standard Gibbs energy of reaction givesThe positive standard Gibbs energy of reaction means that dissociation is unfavourable when every thermodynamic activity equals one; it does not forbid partial dissociation. The corresponding $\mathrm{p}{K}_a=-{\log }_{10}{K}_a$ is about $7.21$.

The equilibrium molecular-acid concentration is $\boxed{[{\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{N}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_2]=0.162\mathrm{mol}{\mathrm{L}}^{-1}}$. From the supplied pH convention,With only these monovalent ions appreciably present, electroneutrality requires $[\mathrm{H}{\mathrm{N}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_2^{-}]=[{\mathrm{H}}^{+}]$. Substitution in the acid dissociation constant givesThis calculation assumes ideal thermodynamic activities for the acid and its conjugate base as well as for ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$, negligible water autoionization, negligible second dissociation, and no additional electrolyte. The acid's analytical concentration would include its dissociated fraction and be approximately $0.16220\mathrm{M}$, rather than exactly the molecular-acid concentration requested.