Buffer pH Equation:
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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.
The calculator uses the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:
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.
Details: Accurate pH calculation is crucial for preparing buffer solutions in biochemical experiments, pharmaceutical formulations, and maintaining stable pH conditions in various chemical processes.
Tips: Enter pKa value, moles of conjugate base (A⁻), and moles of weak acid (HA). All values must be valid (moles HA > 0).
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.