Calculate the pH of a formic acid solution that contains 1.35% formic acid by mass. (Assume a density of 1.01 g/mL for the solution.)

Verified step by step guidance

1. <Calculate the mass of formic acid in 100 g of solution: Since the solution is 1.35% formic acid by mass, there are 1.35 g of formic acid in 100 g of solution.>
2. <Determine the volume of the solution: Using the density (1.01 g/mL), convert the mass of the solution (100 g) to volume in mL.>
3. <Calculate the molarity of formic acid: Use the mass of formic acid (1.35 g) and its molar mass (46.03 g/mol) to find the number of moles, then divide by the volume of the solution in liters to find the molarity.>
4. <Write the expression for the ionization of formic acid (HCOOH) in water and set up the equilibrium expression using the acid dissociation constant (Ka) for formic acid.>
5. <Use the ICE table (Initial, Change, Equilibrium) to determine the concentration of H+ ions at equilibrium, and then calculate the pH using the formula pH = -log[H+].>