At , benzoic acid has . Which statement correctly describes the relative…

CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Acids and Bases · Acids and Bases

Problem

25^\circ\text{C}

, benzoic acid has

pK_a = 4.20

. Which statement correctly describes the relative concentrations of benzoic acid (

\mathrm{C_6H_5COOH}

) and benzoate ion (

\mathrm{C_6H_5COO^-}

) in an aqueous solution adjusted to

pH = 3.00

? (a)

[\text{benzoic acid}] = [\text{benzoate ion}]

(b)

[\text{benzoic acid}] < [\text{benzoate ion}]

(c)

[\text{benzoic acid}] > [\text{benzoate ion}]

(d) The predominant species cannot be predicted from the given information.