. You have two solutions, both with a concentration of 0.1M. Solution A contains a weak acid with a pKa of 5. ThepH of solution A is 3. Solution B contains a weak acid with a pKa of 9. The pH of solution B is:

pH of solution B is 5

Explanation:

A weak acid, HA, is in equilibrium with water as follows:

HA(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇄ A⁻(aq) + H₃O⁺(aq)

Where Ka (10^-pKa = 1x10⁻⁹) is:

Ka = 1x10⁻⁹ = [A⁻] [H₃O⁺] / [HA]

Where concentrations of this species are equilibrium concentrations

As initial concentration of HA is 0.1M, the equilibrium concentrations of the species are:

[HA] = 0.1M - X

[A⁻] = X

[H₃O⁺] = X

Where X is the amount of HA that reacts until reach the equilibrium, X is reaction coordinate.

Replacing in Ka expression:

1x10⁻⁹ = [A⁻] [H₃O⁺] / [HA]

1x10⁻⁹ = [X] [X] / [0.1 - X]

1x10⁻¹⁰ - 1x10⁻⁹X = X²

1x10⁻¹⁰ - 1x10⁻⁹X - X² = 0

Solving for X:

X = -0.00001 → False solution, there is no negative concentrations.

X = 1x10⁻⁵ → Right solution.

As [H₃O⁺] = X

[H₃O⁺] = 1x10⁻⁵M

And pH = -log[H₃O⁺]

pH = 5

it is b that is the answer.