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Calculate The Ph Of A Buffer Solution Prepared By Mixing 20 Ml

Buffer pH Equation:

\[ pH = pKa + \log\left(\frac{\text{moles } A^-}{\text{moles } HA}\right) \]

(dimensionless)
mol
mol

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1. What is the Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation?

The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is used to estimate the pH of a buffer solution from the pKa of the acid and the concentrations of the acid and its conjugate base. It provides a simple way to calculate buffer pH and understand buffer capacity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:

\[ pH = pKa + \log\left(\frac{\text{moles } A^-}{\text{moles } HA}\right) \]

Where:

Explanation: The equation relates the pH of a buffer to the pKa of the acid and the ratio of conjugate base to acid concentrations.

3. Importance of Buffer pH Calculation

Details: Accurate pH calculation is crucial for preparing buffer solutions in biochemical experiments, pharmaceutical formulations, and maintaining stable pH conditions in various chemical processes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter pKa value, moles of conjugate base (A⁻), and moles of weak acid (HA). All values must be valid (moles HA > 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the valid range for pKa values?
A: pKa values typically range from 0-14 for most acids, though some strong acids may have negative pKa values.

Q2: Why use moles instead of concentrations?
A: Since the equation uses a ratio, moles can be used directly when working with solutions of the same volume, as the volume terms cancel out.

Q3: When is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation most accurate?
A: The equation is most accurate when the concentrations of acid and conjugate base are within an order of magnitude of each other and when the pH is within ±1 unit of the pKa.

Q4: What are the limitations of this equation?
A: The equation assumes ideal behavior, neglects activity coefficients, and becomes less accurate for very dilute solutions or when the acid concentration is extremely low.

Q5: Can this equation be used for polyprotic acids?
A: For polyprotic acids, the equation can be applied to each dissociation step separately, considering the appropriate pKa and concentration ratios for each stage.

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