Chapter 16: Problem 17
Calculate the \(\mathrm{pH}\) of the \(0.20 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{NH}_{3} / 0.20 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{Cl}\) buffer. What is the pH of the buffer after the addition of \(10.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.10 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{HCl}\) to \(65.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of the buffer?
Short Answer
Expert verified
The initial pH of the buffer is 9.25. After addition of 10.0 mL of 0.10 M HCl, the pH of the buffer is 9.22.
Step by step solution
01
Calculate the initial pH of the buffer using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation
The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is given by \(pH = pKa + \log{\left(\frac{[NH3]}{[NH4+]}\right)}\). pKa is the negative log of the Ka of the NH4+. Given that the Ka of NH4+ is \(5.56 \times 10^{-10}\), the pKa is -log(Ka) = 9.25. The molarities of NH3 and NH4Cl in the buffer are both 0.20 M. Substituting these values into the equation gives \(pH = 9.25 + \log{\left(\frac{0.20}{0.20}\right)} = 9.25\)
02
Determine the molar concentrations after addition of HCl
When the strong acid HCl is added to the buffer, it reacts with the weak base NH3 to form more NH4+. The reaction can be written as NH3 + HCl -> NH4Cl. The number of moles of NH3 and HCl are needed to know how much NH4+ is produced. This is calculated by multiplying the volume (in liters) by the molarity. The initial number of moles of NH3 is 0.20 M * 0.065 L = 0.013 mol. The number of moles HCl added is 0.10 M * 0.01 L = 0.001 mol. So, 0.001 mol of NH3 reacts with the HCl, leaving 0.012 mol of NH3, and forming an additional 0.001 mol of NH4+.
03
Recalculate the pH after the addition of HCl
The new total volume of the solution after addition of HCl is 0.065 L + 0.01 L = 0.075 L. This means the new molarities of NH3 and NH4+ are 0.012 mol / 0.075 L = 0.16 M for NH3 and (0.20 M * 0.065 L + 0.001 mol) / 0.075 L = 0.176 M for NH4+. The new pH can be calculated using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation again: \(pH = 9.25 + \log{\left(\frac{0.16}{0.176}\right)} = 9.22\). The pH of the buffer has slightly decreased due to the addition of the strong acid HCl.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Buffer Solution
A buffer solution is a special kind of solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of an acid or base are added. It contains a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. This dual presence helps balance pH by neutralizing added acids or bases.
- In the given problem, the buffer is made of ammonia ( H_3 ) and ammonium chloride ( H_4Cl ).
- Here, H_3 acts as a weak base, while H_4^+ (from H_4Cl ) is its conjugate acid.
pH Calculation
The pH of a solution is a measure of its acidity or basicity. Calculating pH in the context of a buffer solution often involves the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:
\[ pH = pKa + \log{\left( \frac{[\text{base}]}{[\text{acid}]} \right)} \]This formula helps us find the pH of a buffer. It relies on the concentration ratio of the base and its conjugate acid.
\[ pH = pKa + \log{\left( \frac{[\text{base}]}{[\text{acid}]} \right)} \]This formula helps us find the pH of a buffer. It relies on the concentration ratio of the base and its conjugate acid.
- "pKa" here is the negative logarithm of the Ka, which indicates the dissociation constant of the weak acid in the buffer.
- In this exercise, Ka for H_4^+ is provided, and the corresponding pKa is 9.25.
Acid-Base Reaction
Acid-base reactions are fundamental in chemistry and involve the transfer of hydrogen ions (
H^+
) from an acid to a base. Such a reaction is key when strong acids or bases interact with buffer systems.
When HCl , a strong acid, is added to the buffer in this problem:
When HCl , a strong acid, is added to the buffer in this problem:
- The H^+ from HCl pairs with ammonia ( H_3 ), a weak base, forming ammonium ions ( H_4^+ ).
- This results in a decrease in ammonia and an increase in ammonium ions within the solution.
Molarity
Molarity is a concentration measurement used typically for solutions, denoted as moles of solute per liter of solution. Understanding molarity helps us accurately gauge how concentrated a solution is, which directly impacts pH calculation.
In this exercise, understanding molarity allows us to determine the changes in concentrations of H_3 and H_4^+ after the addition of HCl.The molarity of
H_3
and
H_4Cl
in the original buffer is both 0.20 M.
After adding
0.01
moles of
HCl,
which reacts with
H_3,
changes occur: 0.16 M for
H_3
and 0.176 M for
H_4^+.
Changes in molarity arise due to the chemical reaction and increased total solution volume. Accurately using molarity ensures that subsequent pH calculations with the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation remain precise and meaningful.
In this exercise, understanding molarity allows us to determine the changes in concentrations of H_3 and H_4^+ after the addition of HCl.
HCl Addition
Adding
HCl
to a buffer solution introduces a strong acid into the system. Strong acids completely dissociate in water, releasing
H^+
ions which can overwhelm unbuffered systems.
In this scenario:
In this scenario:
- H^+ from HCl reacts with H_3, maintaining the system's buffer capabilities.
- This leads to more H_4^+ being formed, slightly altering the buffer's pH from 9.25 to 9.22.