The pH of 0.1M solution of cyanic acid (HCNO) is 2.34. Calculate the ionization constant of the acid and its degree of ionization in the solution.

Explanation

`pH=2.34`
`-log [H_(3)O^(o+)]=2.34`
or `[H_(3)O^(o+)]= Antilog [-2.34]=4.57xx10^(-3)`
For weak acid `[H^(o+)]=Calpha=4.57xx10^(-3)`
`C=0.1`
`:. alpha=(4.57xx10^(-3))/0.1=0.0457`
`K_(a)=Calpha^(2)=0.1xx(0.0457)^(2)=2.09xx10^(-4)`