The dissociation of sulfurous acid (h2so3) in aqueous solution occurs as follows:
h2so3 > h+ + hso3-
hso3- > h+ + so32-
if .50 moles of sulfurous acid are dissolved to form a 1 l solution, which of the following concentrations will be least at equilibrium?
a.) [h2so3]
b.) [h+]
c.) [h3o+]
d.) [so32-]

The [SO₃²⁻]

Explanation:

From the first dissociation of sulfurous acid we have:

                         H₂SO₃(aq) ⇄ H⁺(aq) + HSO₃⁻(aq)

At equilibrium:  0.50M - x          x            x

The equilibrium constant (Ka₁) is:

With Ka₁= 1.5x10⁻² and solving the quadratic equation, we get the following HSO₃⁻ and H⁺ concentrations:

Similarly, from the second dissociation of sulfurous acid we have:

                              HSO₃⁻(aq) ⇄ H⁺(aq) + SO₃²⁻(aq)

At equilibrium:  7.94x10⁻²M - x          x            x

The equilibrium constant (Ka₂) is:  

Using Ka₂= 6.3x10⁻⁸ and solving the quadratic equation, we get the following SO₃⁻ and H⁺ concentrations:

Therefore, the final concentrations are:

[H₂SO₃] = 0.5M - 7.94x10⁻²M = 0.42M

[HSO₃⁻] = 7.94x10⁻²M - 7.07x10⁻⁵M = 7.93x10⁻²M

[SO₃²⁻] = 7.07x10⁻⁵M

[H⁺] = 7.94x10⁻²M + 7.07x10⁻⁵M = 7.95x10⁻²M

So, the lowest concentration at equilibrium is [SO₃²⁻] = 7.07x10⁻⁵M.

I hope it helps you!

answer: option (a) is the correct answer.

explanation:

the measurement of hydrogen ions in a solution is known as ph.

if ph of a solution is less than 7 then the solution is acidic. if ph of a solution is greater than 7 then the solution is basic.

when the ph of a solution equals 7, then the solution is considered as neutral.

the ph of pure water is 7, therefore, it means that concentration of hydronium ions equals that of hydroxide ions.