## Midterm 2014 Question 8

ckim_1I
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2015 3:00 am

### Midterm 2014 Question 8

In the 2nd portion of the question, it mentions that ln k = nFE(standard) / RT and the answer is -12.46.
I used n=2 and we use Faraday's constant and E (standard) cell all over R (Boltzman's constant) and T (as 295 K), the units don't cancel out.
Am I doing this problem incorrectly?
Pleas help!!!

Liam Giffin 2B
Posts: 34
Joined: Fri Jul 22, 2016 3:00 am
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### Re: Midterm 2014 Question 8

So I'm not sure exactly where your issue is occurring, but I am not running into the same issue as you. When I use the formula $ln(k)=\frac{nFE^{\circ}}{RT}$ the units cancel and I am left with a unitless K with the same value as listed in the book. In this case we use n as a pure number, so it has no units. The units for the Faraday constant are C/mol, the units for the cell potential are volts which is the same as 1 J/C. The units for R are J/K*mol and the units for T are Kelvin. If you use these units the should cancel and you should be left with the correct value.

Arie Hakimi 1L
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### Re: Midterm 2014 Question 8

Why is Ka=sqrt(K)??

Sangita_Sub_3H
Posts: 23
Joined: Sat Jul 09, 2016 3:00 am

### Re: Midterm 2014 Question 8

Ka = sqrt (K) because Ka written out is Ka = ([H][F])/[HF] and K = ([H]^2[F]^2)/[HF]^2 since the equation is 2HF(aq) -->2H(plus) + 2F(minus).

Jenna_Hakel_2A
Posts: 34
Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2016 3:00 am

### Re: Midterm 2014 Question 8

I'm still confused on why Ka=(K)^(1/2). I understand that when we solve for the balanced equation to solve for E, it ends up as 2HF-->2H+ + 2F- with a standard cell potential of -0.16V. However, if we were to divide this equation by 2 to get HF-->H+ + F-, wouldn't we then have the correct equation and our E would still be equal to -0.16? I may be mistaken, but isn't that a property of the standard cell potential? Why would this not work?