Answer : The pKa of the unknown acid is, 4.2
Explanation : Given,
pH = 4.2
As we know that, at half-equivalence point the moles of salt formed is equal to the moles of acid remaining.
Using Henderson Hesselbach equation :
[tex]pH=pK_a+\log \frac{[Salt]}{[Acid]}[/tex]
Now put all the given values in this expression, we get:
[tex]4.2=pK_a+\log (\frac{1}{1})[/tex]
[tex]4.2=pK_a+\log 1[/tex]
[tex]4.2=pK_a+0[/tex]
[tex]pK_a=4.2[/tex]
Therefore, the pKa of the unknown acid is, 4.2