Chapter 15: Acid-Base Equilibria

Basic Questions
Basic Question 1
15.1 Find pH of an acid solution with a common ion -

Calculate the pH of 0.10 M acetic acid solution in 0.050 M sodium acetate (aq) solution. Ka =
1.8 × 10-5.
Given: [CH3COOH] =0.10 M, [CH3COONa] = 0.050 M, Ka = 1.8 × 10-5
RTF: pH
CH3COOH(aq)  CH3COO-(aq) + H+(aq)
[initial] 0.10 0.050 -
[change] -x +x +x
[eqbm] 0.10 – x 0.050+x x

.
Ka = = 1.8 × 10-5 assume x << 0.050
.
. .
x= = 6.0 × 10-3 M = [H+] pH = 4.44
.

Basic Question 2
15.2 Find pH of a buffer solution given [acid] and [conjugate base] G

Calculate the pH of a buffer solution which is 0.2 M NaF and 0.3 M HF.
Given: [NaF] = 0.2M, [HF] = 0.3M , K a = 7.2 × 10 -4
RTF: pH
It is a buffer solution, therefore pH = pKa + log
.
pH = -log7.2 × 10 -4 + log = 3.14 +(– 0.18) = 2.97
.

Basic Question 3
15.2 Know that as long as the ratio of [base] to [acid] is the same, the pH is unchanged -

Calculate the pH of a buffer solution which is 0.4 M NaF and 0.6 M HF. (Compare your result
with the one you got in question 2 above!)
pH = 2.97, the pH remains the same as the change in the concentrations did not change
the ratio of [base] to [acid].

Basic Question 4
15.2 Know that dilution of a buffer solution does not alter the pH -

A buffer solution is prepared which is 0.2 M NaF and 0.3 M HF. 100 ml of water were added
to 100 ml of the above solution. Calculate the new pH.
pH = 2.97, the addition of water dilutes both the acid and the base. The ratio of [base] to
[acid] does not change, so the pH does not change.

Basic Question 5
15.2 Find pH of a buffer solution to which a strong base is added -

A buffer solution is prepared which is 0.10 M CH3COONa and 0.20 M CH3COOH. 10 cm3of
0.20 M NaOH(aq) were added to 100 cm3 of the above solution. Find the new pH.
Given: [CH3COOH] = 0.20M, [CH3COO-] = 0.10M, Vbuffer = 100cm3, VNaOH = 10cm3
[NaOH] = 0.20M, K a = 1.8 × 10 -5
RTF: pH

Calculate number of moles n of OH- = (0.20)(10) = 2.0 mmoles

n of CH3COOH = (0.20)(100) = 20mmoles
n of CH3COO- = (0.10)(100) = 10mmoles

Write the reaction occurring:

CH3COOH(aq) + OH-(aq)  CH3COO- (aq) + H2O(l)
Initially 20 mmoles 2.0 mmoles 10 mmoles
Finally 18 mmoles ---- 12 mmoles
The resulting solution contains a weak acid with its conjugate base, a buffer.
pH = pKa + log = -log1.8 × 10 -5 + log = 4.57

Basic Question 6
15.2 Find base to acid mole ratio of a buffer solution given pH T

A buffer solution of pH = 5 is to be prepared using CH3COONa and CH3COOH. What should

be the molar ratio [CH3COO- ] to [CH3COOH] to achieve this?
Given: pH = 5, Ka = 1.8 × 10-5
RTF:
pH = pKa + log = - log1.8 × 10 -5 + log =5

log = 5 – 4.74 = 0.26 = 1.8

Basic Question 7

15.2 Find pH of buffer formed by mixing weak acid and strong base T

A solution is prepared by mixing 70 ml, 0.2 M HF and 30 ml, 0.1 M NaOH. Calculate the pH
of the solution.
Given: VHF = 70ml, [HF] = 0.2M, VNaOH = 30ml, [NaOH] = 0.1M, Ka = 7.25 × 10-4
RTF: pH
Calculate the number of moles: nHF = (70)(0.2) = 14mmoles
nNaOH = (30)(0.1) = 3mmoles

HF(aq) + OH-(aq)  F-(aq) + H2O(aq)

Initially 14 3 -
Finally 11 - 3
pH = pKa + log = - log7.25 × 10-4 + log = 3.14 +(– 0.56) = 2.58

Basic Question 8
15.2 Find pH of buffer formed by mixing acidic salt and strong base T

A solution is prepared by mixing 80 ml, 0.3 M NH4Cl and 20 ml, 0.2 M NaOH. Calculate the
pH of the solution.
Given: VNH4Cl = 80ml, [NH4Cl] = 0.3M, VNaOH = 20ml, [NaOH] = 0.2M,
Kb of NH3 = 1.8 × 10-5
RTF: pH

Calculate the number of moles: n of NH4+ = (80)(0.3) = 24mmoles

nNaOH = (20)(0.2) = 4mmoles

NH4+(aq) + OH-(aq)  NH3(aq) + H2O(aq)

Initially 24 4 -
Finally 20 - 4

Ka = = 5.56 × 10-10
.
pH = pKa + log = - log(5.56 × 10-10) + log =9.25 – 0.70 = 8.56

Basic Question 9

15.2 Find pH of buffer formed by mixing basic salt and strong acid T

A solution is prepared by mixing 60 ml, 0.2 M NaF and 40 ml, 0.1 M HCl. Calculate the pH of
the solution.
Given: VNaF = 60ml, [NaF] = 0.2M, VHCl = 40ml, [HCl] = 0.1 M,
Ka HF = 7.25 × 10-4
RTF: pH

Calculate the number of moles: n of NaF = n of F- = (60)(0.2) = 12mmoles

n of HCl = n of H+ = (40)(0.1) = 4mmoles

F- + H+  HF
initially: 12 mmol 4 mmol 0 mmol
change: - 4 mmol -4 mmol + 4 mmol
finally: 8 mmol 0 mmol 4 mmol
-4
pH = pKa + log = - log(7.25 × 10 ) + log = 3.44
Basic Question 10
15.2 Find pH of buffer formed by mixing a weak base and strong acid T

A solution is prepared by mixing 20 ml, 3 M NH3 and 80 ml, 0.2 M HCl. Calculate the pH of
the solution.
Given: VNH 3 = 20ml, [NH3] = 3M, VHCl = 80ml, [HCl] = 0.2M, Kb NH3 = 1.8 × 10-5
RTF: pH

Calculate the number of moles: n of NH3 = (20)(3) = 60mmoles

nHCl = (80)(0.2) = 16mmoles

NH3(aq) + H+(aq)  NH4+(aq)

Initially 60 16 -
Finally 44 - 16

Ka = = 5.56 × 10-10
.
pH = pKa + log = - log5.56 × 10-10 + log =9.25 + 0.44 = 9.69

Basic Question 11

15.4 Application on: number of moles of H+ = number of moles of OH- at the T, G

equivalence point
a) 25 cm3 of a certain NaOH solution were needed to neutralize 20 cm3 of a
0.20 M HCl solution. Calculate the concentration of the base.
Given: [HCl] = 0.20M, VHCl = 20cm3, VNaOH = 25cm3
RTF: [NaOH]
At the equivalence point: number of moles of H+ = number of moles of OH-
[H+] = [OH-]
(0.20)(20) = [OH-](25)
-
[OH ] = 0.16M

b) What volume of 0.5 M HCl is needed to neutralise 40 cm3 of a 0.02 M Ca(OH)2

solution?
Given: [HCl] = 0.50M, = 40cm3, [Ca(OH)2] = 0.02M
RTF: [HCl]

At the equivalence point: number of moles of H+ = number of moles of OH-

# of moles of OH- = 2 × # of moles of Ca(OH)2 = 2(0.02) = 0.04M
[H+] = [OH-]
(0.50) = (0.04)(40)
= 3.2cm3
 Another way to solve this type of exercise is to write the reacting ratio:

Ca(OH)2(aq) + 2HCl(aq)  CaCl2(aq) + 2H2O(l)

1 mole 2 moles
nHCl
nHCl = 2
(0.50)( ) = 2(0.02)(40)
3
= 3.2cm

Basic Question 12
15.4 Titration of strong acid and strong base: Find pH initially G

a) 50 cm3 of 0.50 M HNO3 solution were titrated with 0.50 M NaOH solution. Find the pH
of the solution when no base has been added yet.
Given: = 50 ml, [HNO3] = 0.50M, [NaOH] = 0.50M, VNaOH = 0ml
RTF: pH
HNO3 is a strong acid, it dissociates completely. [H+] = [HNO3] = 0.50M
pH = -log0.50 = 0.30

15.4 Titration of strong acid and strong base: Find pH before equivalence point

b) 50 cm3 of 0.50 M HNO3 solution were titrated with 0.50 M NaOH solution. Find the pH
of the solution when 10 cm3 of base are added.

Given: = 50 ml, [HNO3] = 0.50M, [NaOH] = 0.50M, VNaOH = 10ml

RTF: pH
= (50)(0.50) = 25mmoles
nNaOH = (10)(0.50) = 5mmoles
n of acid in excess = 25 – 5 = 20 mmoles

[H+] = [HNO3]excess = = 0.33 M

pH = -log0.33 = 0.48

15.4 Titration of strong acid and strong base: Find pH at equivalence point G

c) 50 cm3 of 0.50 M HNO3 solution were titrated with 0.50 M NaOH solution. Find the pH
of the solution when 50 cm3 of base are added.
Given: = 50 ml, [HNO3] = 0.50M, [NaOH] = 0.50M, VNaOH = 50ml
RTF: pH
= (50)(0.50) = 25mmoles
nNaOH = (50)(0.50) = 25mmoles
n of acid in excess = 25 – 25 = 0 mmoles
Neither H+ nor OH- is in excess, solution is neutral  pH = 7
 15.4 Titration of strong acid and strong base: Find pH after equivalence point G

d) 50 cm3 of 0.50 M HNO3 solution were titrated with 0.50 M NaOH solution. Find the pH
of the solution when 60cm3 of base are added.
Given: = 50 ml, [HNO3] = 0.50M, [NaOH] = 0.50M, VNaOH = 60ml
RTF: pH
= (50)(0.50) = 25mmoles
nNaOH = (60)(0.50) = 30mmoles
n of base in excess = 30 – 25 = 5 mmoles
NaOH is a strong base, it dissociates completely. nOH- = nNaOH = 5mmoles

[OH-]excess = = 0.045 M

pOH = -log0.045= 1.34 pH = 14 – pOH = 14 – 1.34 = 12.7

15.4 Titration of strong acid and strong base: draw titration curve G

e) 50 cm3 of 0.50 M HNO3 solution were titrated with 0.50 M NaOH solution. Draw a
titration curve for the change of pH versus volume of base added. In your curve the
following points have to be clearly indicated: The pH before the titration starts and at the
equivalence point. The volume of base needed for the equivalence point should be also
shown.

VNaOH (cm3) pH
0 0.30
20 0.70
30 0.90
40 1.26
50 7.0
60 12.7

pH
13 –
12 –
11 –
10 –
9–
8–
7– • equivalence point pH = 7
6–
5–
4–
3–
2–
1–
 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Volume of NaOH (cm3)

Basic Question 13

15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: Find pH initially G

a) 50 cm3 of 0.10 M CH3COOH solution were titrated with 0.10 M KOH solution. Find
the pH of the solution when no base has been added yet. Ka = 1.80 × 10-5
Given: = 50 ml, [CH3COOH] = 0.10M, [KOH] = 0.10M, VKOH = 0ml,
Ka = 1.80 × 10-5
RTF: pH
CH3COOH is a weak acid, it dissociates partially:
CH3COOH(aq) ⇄ CH3COO-(aq) + H+(aq)
[initially] 0.10M - -
[cange] -x +x +x
[eqbm] 0.10 – x x x

Ka = = 1.80 × 10-5 assume x << 0.10

.
[H+] = x = . . = 1.34 × 10-3 M (assumption valid)

pH = -log1.34 × 10-3 = 2.87

15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: Find pH before equivalence point G

b) 50 cm3 of 0.10 M CH3COOH solution were titrated with 0.10 M KOH solution. Find
the pH of the solution when 10 ml of base has been added. Ka = 1.80 × 10-5
Given: = 50 ml, [CH3COOH] = 0.10M, [KOH] = 0.10M, VKOH = 10ml,
Ka = 1.80 × 10-5
RTF: pH
= (50)(0.10) = 5mmoles
nKOH = (10)(0.10) = 1mmole

CH3COOH(aq) + OH-(aq)  CH3COO-(aq) + H2O(l)

Initially 5mmoles 1mmole -
After 4mmoles - 1mmole
reaction

After the reaction we end up with a solution containing a weak acid and its conjugate
base  buffer solution.
pH = pKa + log . = 4.74 – 0.60 = 4.14

15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: Find pH at half- equivalence point G

c) 50 cm3 of 0.1 M CH3COOH solution were titrated with 0.1 M KOH solution. Find the pH
of the solution when 25cm3 base are added. (What is the significance of this stage of
titration?)

Given: = 50 ml, [CH3COOH] = 0.10M, [KOH] = 0.10M, VKOH = 25ml,

Ka = 1.80 × 10-5
RTF: pH
= (50)(0.10) = 5mmoles
nKOH = (25)(0.10) = 2.5mmoles

CH3COOH(aq) + OH-(aq)  CH3COO-(aq) + H2O(l)

Initially 5mmoles 2.5mmole -
After 2.5mmoles - 2.5mmoles
reaction
After the reaction we end up with a solution containing a weak acid and its conjugate
base  buffer solution.

.
pH = pKa + log . = 4.74
.
This point is called the half-way equivalence point. The buffer is at its best capacity and
the pH = pKa

15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: Find pH at equivalence point G

d) 50 cm3 of 0.1 M CH3COOH solution were titrated with 0.1 M KOH solution. Find the pH
of the solution when 50 cm3 base are added. (What is the significance of this stage of
titration?)

Given: = 50 ml, [CH3COOH] = 0.10M, [KOH] = 0.10M, VKOH = 50ml,

Ka = 1.80 × 10-5
RTF: pH
= (50)(0.10) = 5 mmoles
nKOH = (50)(0.10) = 5 mmoles
CH3COOH(aq) + OH-(aq)  CH3COO-(aq) + H2O(l)

Initially 5mmoles 5mmole -

After - - 5mmoles
reaction
[CH3COO-] = = 0.050M
After the reaction we end up with a solution containing a weak base CH3COO-(aq).

CH3COO-(aq) + H2O(l) ⇆ CH3COOH(aq)+ OH-(aq)

[initially] 0.050M - -
[change] -x +x +x
[eqbm 0.050 – x x x

.
Kb = = = 5.56 × 10-10 assume x << 0.050
. .

[OH-] = x = . . = 5.27 × 10-6M (assumption valid)

pOH = 5.28
pH = 14 – pOH = 14 – 5.28 = 8.72

15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: Find pH after equivalence point G

e) 50 cm3 of 0.1 M CH3COOH solution were titrated with 0.1 M KOH solution. Find the
pH of the solution when 60 cm3 base are added.
Given: = 50 ml, [CH3COOH] = 0.10M, [KOH] = 0.10M, VKOH = 60ml,
Ka = 1.80 × 10-5
RTF: pH
= (50)(0.10) = 5mmoles
nKOH = (60)(0.10) = 6mmoles
n of base in excess = 6 – 5 = 1 mmole
KOH is a strong base, it dissociates completely. nOH- = nKOH = 1mmole

[OH-]excess = = 9.09 × 10-3 M

pOH = -log 9.09 × 10-3 = 2.04 pH = 14 – pOH = 14 – 2.04 = 11.96

15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: Draw titration curve G

f) 50 cm3 of 0.1 M CH3COOH solution were titrated with 0.1 M KOH solution. Draw
a titration curve for the change of pH versus volume of base added. In your curve
the following points have to be clearly indicated: The pH before the titration starts
and at the equivalence point. The volume of base needed for the equivalence point
should be also shown. 
Volume of base added pH
0 cm3 2.87
10 cm3 4.14
20 cm3 4.56
3
30 cm 4.92
40 cm3 5.34
3
49.95 cm 6.73
 50 cm3 8.72
50.05 cm3 9.70
60 cm3 11.96
3
70 cm 12.2

pH
13 –
12 –
11 –
10 –
9–
8–
7–
6–
5–
4–
3–
2–
1–

10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Volume of KOH (cm3)

Basic Question 14

15.4 Calculate the molar mass of a weak acid given m and V of acid and [ ] and V of -
base at the equivalence point
0.20 g of a monoprotic acid was dissolved in 25 cm3 solution. The solution was titrated with
0.125 M NaOH solution. 20 cm3 of the base was needed to reach the equivalence point. What is
the molar mass of the acid?
Given: macid = 0.20g, Vacid = 25 cm3, [NaOH] = 0.125 M, Vbase = 20 cm3
RTF: Molar mass of acid
Since monoprotic acid, at the equivalence point,
nacid = nbase
= [base]Vbase
.
= (20 × 10-3)(0.125) Macid = 80 g/mol
Basic Question 15

15.4 Calculate Ka of weak acid given initial [acid], [base], V of acid and pH at T
equivalence point
25 ml of 0.20 M HA was titrated with 0.20 M NaOH. The pH at the equivalence point was 8.00.
What is Ka of HA? (Are the volumes necessary in this problem? Why?)
Given: Vacid = 25 cm3, [acid] = 0.20M, [NaOH] = 0.20 M
RTF: Ka

At equivalence point, we have a solution of A-.

HA(aq) + OH-(aq)  A-(aq) + H2O(l)

Initially 5mmoles 5mmole -
After - - 5mmoles
reaction

.
[A-] = = 0.10M
-
A is a base, it reacts with water setting up the following equilibrium:

A-(aq) + H2O(l) ⇆ HA(aq) + OH-(aq)

[initially] 0.10M - -
[change] -x +x +x
[eqbm 0.10 – x x x

pH is given to be 8.00 at equivalence point  pOH = 6

At equivalence point, [OH-] = 1.0 × 10-6 M  [HA] = 1.0 × 10-6 M

.
Kb = = = 1.0 × 10-11
. .

.
Ka = = 1.0 × 10-3
.
Basic Question 16 T

A solution of 0.100 M HCl and a solution of 0.100 M NaOH are prepared. A 40.0 mL sample of
one of the solutions is added to a beaker and then titrated with the other solution. A pH electrode
is used to obtain the data that are plotted in the titration curve shown below.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        (b) 
15.4 Given pH titration curve, identify solution being titrated -

a) Identify the solution that was initially added to the beaker. Explain your reasoning.
The solution in the beaker was the 0.100 M HCl because the initial pH was 1 (the pH
of 0.100 M HCl).

15.4 Identify on a given pH titration curve the equivalence point -

b) On the titration curve above, circle the point that corresponds to the equivalence point.
The point with coordinates (40.0, 7) is circled.

Level L, chp6 Application on n = CV to find n -

c) At the equivalence point, how many moles of titrant have been added?
Given: [NaOH] = 0.100M
RTF: n
nNaOH = (0.100)(40.0 × 10-3) = 0.00400 mol NaOH
15.5 Choose the best indicator for a titration given the titration curve and the range G
of color change for a list of indicators
d) The same titration is to be performed again, this time using an indicator. Use the
information in the table below to select the best indicator for the titration. Explain your
choice.
Indicator pH range of color change
Crysatl violet 0 – 1.8
Bromocresol Purple 5.2 – 6.9
Thymophthalein 9.5 – 10.5
 Bromocresol purple would be best because its color change will occur closest to the
equivalence point (at equivalence point pH changes from about 4 to 10).

15.4 Know the difference between the equivalence point of a titration and the end G
point of a titration
e) What is the difference between the equivalence point of a titration and the end point of a
titration?
The equivalence point in a titration occurs when the number of moles of titrant added
is exactly sufficient to react completely with the number of moles of the titrated
species present in the sample being titrated.
The end point of a titration is the point in a titration at which the indicator undergoes
its color change.

15.4 Sketch the titration curve that would result if the solutions in the beaker and -
buret were reversed using a given titration curve
f) On the grid provided below, sketch the titration curve that would result if the solutions in
the beaker and burette were reversed (i.e., if 40.0 mL of the solution used in the burette in
the previous titration were titrated with the solution that was in the beaker).

pH
Basic Question 17
Hydrocyanic acid HCN(aq) dissociates in water as represented by the equation below:
HCN(aq) +H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + CN–(aq) Ka=6.2 × 10–10
a) Write the equilibrium-constant expression for the dissociation of HCN(aq) in water.
[ H 3O  ][CN  ]
Ka =
[ HCN ]
b) Calculate the molar concentration of H3O+ in a 0.40 M HCN(aq) solution.
[H3O+] = Ka[ HCN ]  = 1.57× 10–5
c) 1.5 ml 1.0 M NaOH is added to 25 ml of 0.40 M HCN(aq). Calculate the pH of the
solution.
Reaction: HCN + OH-  CN- + H2O
initially: 10mmol 1.5mmol 0
change: -1.5mmol -1.5mmol +1.5mmol
finally: 8.5mmol 0 1.5 mmol
The resulting solution is a buffer, so apply Handerson-Haselbalch
1.5
[CN  ]
pH = pKa + log = -log(6.2 × 10–10) + log 26.5 = 8.456
[ HCN ] 8.5
26.5

Basic Question 18 T

Acetic acid dissociates in water as shown in the equation below.

CH3COOH(aq) + H2O(l)  CH3COO-(aq) + H3O+(aq)
A 25.0 ml sample of aqueous solution of 0.100 M acetic acid is titrated using standardized 0.100
M NaOH.

a) After addition of 12.5 ml of 0.100 M NaOH, the pH of the resulting solution is 4.74.
Calculate each of the following.

14.3 Find [H+] given pH G

i. [H+] in solution
Given: = 25 ml, [CH3COOH] = 0.100M, [NaOH] = 0.100M,
VNaOH = 12.5ml, Ka = 1.80 × 10-5, pH = 4.74
RTF: [H+]
This point is called the half-way equivalence point. At this point the pH =
pKa.
[H+] = Ka = 1.80 × 10-5M

14.3 Find [OH-] given [H+] G

ii. [OH-] in the solution

 Given: [H+] = 1.80 × 10-5M
RTF: [OH-]
.
[OH-] = = 5.56 × 10-10M
.

Grade 10, Ch. 6 Application on n = CV, to find n G

iii. The number of moles of NaOH added

Given: [NaOH] = 0.100M, VNaOH = 12.5ml
RTF: nNaOH
nNaOH = (0.100)(12.5 × 10-3) = 1.25 × 10-3 mole

15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: Find number of moles of conjugate base at G
half-wayequivalence point
iv. The number of mole of CH3COO- in the solution.
Given: = 25 ml, [CH3COOH] = 0.100M, [NaOH] = 0.100M,
VNaOH = 12.5ml, Ka = 1.80 × 10-5
RTF: [CH3COO-]
= (25)(0.10) = 2.5mmoles
nNaOH = (12.5)(0.10) = 1.25mmoles

CH3COOH(aq) + OH-(aq)  CH3COO-(aq) + H2O(l)

Initially 2.5mmoles 1.25mmole -
After 1.25mmoles - 1.25mmoles
reaction

15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: Find number of moles of weak acid at half- G
equivalence point
v. The number of moles of CH3COOH present the solution
Given: = 25 ml, [CH3COOH] = 0.100M, [NaOH] = 0.100M,
VNaOH = 12.5ml, Ka = 1.80 × 10-5
RTF: [CH3COOH]
= (25)(0.10) = 2.5mmoles
n NaOH = (12.5)(0.10) = 1.25mmoles

CH3COOH(aq) + OH-(aq)  CH3COO-(aq) + H2O(l)

Initially 2.5mmoles 1.25mmole -
After 1.25mmoles - 1.25mmoles
reaction
 15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: know that at equivalence point solution is basic G

b) State whether the solution at the equilibrium of the titration is acidic, basic, or neutral.
Explain your reasoning.
At the equivalence point, we have a solution of CH3COO-. This ion dissociates in
water as follows: CH3COO-(aq) + H2O(l) ⇆ CH3COOH(aq) + OH-(aq)
Since OH- ion are formed then the solution is basic.

In a different experiment, 0.118 g sample of a mixture of solid CH3COOH and solid NaCl is
dissolved in water and titrated with 0.100M NaOH. The equivalence point was reached when
10.00 ml of the base solution is added.

c) Calculate the following:

15.4 Find mass of acid present given [base] and volume needed to neutralize it G

i. The mass in grams of acetic acid solid in the mixture

Given: [NaOH] = 0.100M, VNaOH = 10.00ml
RTF: m of CH3COOH
At the equivalence point, nNaOH = nacid since the base is monobasic and the acid
is monoprotic
n of acid = (0.100)(10.00) = 1.00 mmole
m = (1.00 × 10-3)(60) = 0.0600g

11.1 Find mass % of a component given its mass and the total mass G

ii. The mass percentage of acetic acid in the solid

Given: m of acid = 0.0600g, mtotal = 0.118g
RTF: mass % of acid
.
m%= = 50.8%
.
15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: Find pH at equivalence point G

d) Calculate the pH at the equivalence point of the titration of 25.0 ml, 0.10 M CH3COOH
with 0.10 NaOH solutions.
Given: = 25.0 ml, [CH3COOH] = 0.10M, [NaOH] = 0.10M, VKOH = 25.0ml,
Ka = 1.80 × 10-5
RTF: pH
= (25.0)(0.10) = 2.5 mmoles
nKOH = (25.0)(0.10) = 2.5 mmoles
 CH3COOH(aq) + OH-(aq)  CH3COO-(aq) + H2O(l)
Initially 2.5mmoles 2.5mmole -
After - - 2.5mmoles
reaction

.
[CH3COO-] = = 0.05M
After the reaction we end up with a solution containing a weak base CH3COO-(aq).

CH3COO-(aq) + H2O(l)  CH3COOH(aq)+ OH-(aq)

[initially] 0.05M - -
[change] -x +x +x
[eqbm 0.05 – x x x

.
Kb = = = 5.56 × 10-10 assume x << 0.050
. .

[OH-] = x = . . = 5.27 × 10-6M (assumption valid)

pOH = 5.28
pH = 14 – pOH = 14 – 5.28 = 8.72

15.7 Be able to select an indicator for a titration given pH at equivalence point and G
pKa of indicators

e) The pKa values for several indicators are given below. Which of the indicators listed is
most suitable for this titration? Justify your answer.
Indicator pKa
Erythrosine 3
Litmus 7
O-cresolphtalein 9.2
Thymolphtalein 10

Indicators change color over a pH range = pKa  1

Erythrosine 2–4
Litmus 6–8
o-Cresolphthalein 8.2 – 10.2
Thymolphthalein 9 – 11

Since this a titration of a weak acid with a strong base the color will change at the pH
> 7, (pH at the equivalence point = 8.57).
Therefore, o-Cresolphthalein is the best indicator because 8.57 lies in the range of
color change of o-Cresolphthalein.
Basic Question 19 T

The overall dissociation of oxalic acid, H2C2O4 is represented below. The overall dissociation
constant is also indicated.

H2C2O4(aq)  2H+(aq) + C2O42-(aq) Ka = 3.78 x 10-6

15.4 Application on: number of moles of H+ = number of moles of OH- at the G

equivalence point
a) What volume 0.200 molar NaOH is required to neutralize completely a 5.00 x 10-3 mole
sample of pure oxalic acid?
Given: n of H2C2O4 = 5.00 x 10-3 mole, [NaOH] = 0.200M
RTF: NNaOH needed
H2C2O4(aq) + 2NaOH(aq)  Na2C2O4(aq) + 2H2O(l)
1 mole 2 moles
na nb
nb = 2na
.
[NaOH]Vb = 2(5.00 x 10-3) Vb = = 0.0500L
.

14.7 Write the equations representing multiple dissociations of polyprotic acids and G
know that Ka of the acid is the product of the individual K’s for each dissociation
b) Give the equations representing the first and second dissociations of oxalic acid. Calculate
the value of the first dissociation constant K1 for oxalic acid if the value of the second
dissociation constant, K2 is 6.4 x 10-5.
H2C2O4(aq)  H+(aq) + HC2O4-(aq) K1
- + 2-
HC2O4 (aq)  H (aq) + C2O4 (aq) K2 = 6.4 x 10-5
H2C2O4(aq)  2H+(aq) + C2O42-(aq) Ka = 3.78 x 10-6

Ka = K 1 × K 2
Ka 3.78 × 10-6
K1 = = -5
= 5.91 × 10-2
K 2 6.40 × 10

14.8 Know that for an acid-base conjugate pair, Ka×Kb = Kw G

c) Calculate the value of the equilibrium constant, Kb, for the reaction that occurs when solid
NaHC2O4 is dissolved in water.
Given: Ka1 = 5.91 × 10-2
RTF: Kb
K 1.0 × 10-14
Kb = w = -2
= 1.69 × 10-13
K1 5.91 × 10
15.4 Titration of weak polyprotic acid and strong base: draw titration curve G
d) Sketch the titration curve of oxalic acid with 0.10M NaOH.

pH

Volume of NaOH(aq)

Number of bumps is equal to the number of hydrogen ions that could be released

Basic Question 20 T

A pure 15.5 g sample of the weak base methylamine, CH3NH2, is dissolved in enough distilled
water to make 1000. mL of solution.
Level Calculate the molar concentration given mass of solute and volume of solution G
M

a) Calculate the molar concentration of the CH3NH2 in the solution.

Given : m = 15.5 g , v = 1000 mL ,RTF: C

.
Number of moles= = 0.500 mole
.
Concentration = = 0.500M
.

The aqueous methylamine reacts with water according to the equation below.

CH3NH2(aq + H2O(l) ⇄ CH3NH3+(aq) + OH−(aq)

14.8 Write the equilibrium-constant expression for a weak base G

b) Write the equilibrium-constant expression for the reaction between CH3NH2(aq) and water.
 Kb =

13 Know that for small K values equilibrium position lies to the left G

c) Of CH3NH2(aq) and CH3NH3+(aq), which is present in the solution at the higher

concentration at equilibrium? Justify your answer.

CH3NH2 is present in the solution at the higher concentration at equilibrium. Methylamine

is a weak base, and thus it has a small Kb value. Therefore, only partial dissociation of
CH3NH2 occurs in water, and [CH3NH3+] is thus less than [CH3NH2].

14 Determine the concentration of OH- ions given pH G

d) A different solution is made by mixing 500. mL of 0.250 M CH3NH2 with 500. mL of

0.100 M HCl. Assume that volumes are additive. The pH of the resulting solution is
found to be 10.52.

i. Calculate the concentration of OH−(aq) in the solution.

Given: pH= 10.52 RTF: concentration of OH- ions

pH = −log[H+] [H+] = 10−10.52 = 3.02 × 10−11 M

[OH−] = = 3.31 × 10−4 M

15.2 Write the net ionic equation for the reaction of a weak base and a strong acid T

ii. Write the net-ionic equation that represents the reaction that occurs when the
CH3NH2 solution is mixed with the HCl solution.

CH3NH2 + H3O+ → CH3NH3+ + H2O

15.4 Application on the titration of a weak base with a strong acid T

iii. Calculate the molar concentration of the CH3NH3+(aq) that is formed in the
reaction.

moles of CH3NH2 = 0.500 L × 0.250 mol = 0.125 mol

moles of H3O+ = 0.500 L × 0.100 mol = 0.0500 mol

CH3NH2 + H3 O+ → CH3NH3+ + H2O

Initially 0.125 mole 0.0500 mole
Change -0.0500 -0.0500mole +0.0500mole
 Finally 0.0750 mole 0.0500 mole

moles of CH3NH3+(aq) = 0.0500 mol

Vtotal = 1.00L [CH3NH3+] =0.0500 M

14 Determine the Kb value of a weak base T

iv. Calculate the value of Kb for CH3NH2.

.
[CH3NH2] = = 0.0750 M
.

. .
Kb = = = 2.21x 10-4M
.
Multiple Choice ALL T

pH

8.7 D

C
B

Volume of base added

The above diagram represents the pH titration curve of a weak monoprotic acid with a 0.100 M
NaOH. Use it to answer the following questions.

15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: identify on a given titration curve the G
points where pH < 7
1. The pH at this point is less than 3. A
15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: identify on a given titration curve the G
points where pH is between two given values
2. The pH at this point is greater than 8 and less than 10. D

15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: identify on a given titration curve the G
point that can be used to determine Ka
3. The pH at this point could be used to determine the acid dissociation constant. B

15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: Know that the half-way equivalence G
point corresponds to the optimum buffer capacity
4. What part of the curve corresponds to the optimum buffer action? B

15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: Identify the part of the curve which G
corresponds to a buffer solution
5. At this point, the solution is buffered. B
 15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: Know that the point with the highest pH G
is the most basic
6. Of the points shown on the graph, this is the point when the solution is most basic. E

15.4 Titration of weak acid and strong base: Know that the point at the middle of the G
vertical rise is the equivalence point
7. Of the points shown on the graph, this is the point is the equivalence point of the
titration. D

15.5 Titration of weak acid and strong base: Choose the most suitable indicator given G
the titration curve
8. Which of the following indicator is the best choice for the titration?

[-A-] Methyl orange 3.2 – 4.4

[-B-] Methyl red 4.8 – 6.6
[-C-] Bromothymol blue 6.1 – 7.6
[-D-] Phenol phthalein 8.2 – 10.0
[-E-] Alizarin 11.0 – 12.4
Sample Questions
Section 15.2

1. Know the definition of a buffer.

What is a buffer solution?
A solution that resists change in its pH upon small addition of H+or OH-.

2. Know the various procedures that produce buffers

Which of the following procedures will produce a buffered solution?
i) Equal volumes of 0.3 M KOH and 1.0 M HCl solutions are mixed.
ii) Equal volumes of 0.5 M KOH and 1.0M C6H5COOH solutions are mixed.
iii) Equal volumes of 1.0 M C6H5COOH and 1.0 M C6H5COOK solutions are
mixed.

3. Explain how a buffer solution works

Explain how a CH3COOH / CH3COO- buffer maintains pH relatively the same upon
additions of a few drops of HCl? Of NaOH?

When HCl(aq) is added, the added H+ will be neutralized by the acetate ions present in the
buffer solution. CH3COO-(aq) + H+(aq)  CH3COOH(aq)
When NaOH(aq) is added, the added OH- will be neutralized by the acetic acid molecules
present in the buffer solution. CH3COOH(aq) + OH-(aq)  CH3COO-(aq) + H2O(l)

4.Know the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.

What is the Henderson - Hasselbalch equation?
pH = pKa + log

Section 15.3

5. Know what is meant by buffering capacity.

What is meant by the buffering capacity of a buffer solution?
It is the ability of a buffered solution to absorb protons or hydroxide ions without a
significant change in pH.

6. Know that a ratio of = 1, gives the most efficient buffer.

Which ratio of [conjugate base] / [weak acid] would produce the most efficient buffer?
=1
7. Know that the best acid to choose for a particular buffer preparation is the one whose
pKa value is closest to the required pH
You wish to create a buffer solution with a pH of 5.00. Which of the following would be the
best choice to prepare the required buffer?
i) HCl
ii) H3AsO4 Ka =5.5 x 10-3
iii) CH3COOH Ka = 1.8 x 10-5
iv) HCN Ka = 4.9 x 10-10

i) HCl Ka very large pKa = very negative

-3
ii) H3AsO4 Ka =5.5 x 10 pKa = 2.3
iii) CH3COOH Ka = 1.8 x 10-5pKa = 4.7
iv) HCN Ka = 4.9 x 10-10 pKa = 9.3

Best acid to choose is CH3COOH Ka = 1.8 x 10-5 pKa = 4.7

Section 15.4

8. Know what equivalence point in titration means.

What is meant by equivalence or stoichiometric point in titration?
Equivalence or stoichiometric point is is the point in the titration when enough titrant has
been addded to react exactly with the substance in solution being titrated.

9. Know what end point in titration means.

What is meant by end point in titration?
End point is the point in the titration at which the indicator changes colour.

10. Know that for a strong acid - base titration, pH = 7 at equivalence point
Some Ca(OH)2 solution was titrated with HCl.
What will be the pH at the equivalence point ?
Ca(OH)2 is a strong base, HCl is a strong acid, the pH at end point will be 7.

11. Know the differences between the titration curve of a strong acid – strong base and that
of a weak acid – strong base (or strong acid – weak base)
How is the titration curve for a weak acid-strong base different from that of a strong acid-
strong base? 

Strong Acid – strong base Titration Weak Acid – strong base Titration

No small initial rise A small initial rise

Its vertical section is longer Its vertical section is shorter
Its rise is sharp Its rise is not as sharp
Before equivalence point the pH steadily Before the equivalence point, there is an almost
increases horizontal section where the solution behaves as a
buffer
pH at equivalence point = 7 pH at equivalence point is greater than 7
12.What is the significance of the half-way point in a weak acid - strong base titration
In the titration of weak acid with strong base what is meant by "the half way point"?
What can you say about the buffering action of the resulting solution?
How does the pH at the half-equivalence point compare with the value of Ka?
The half equivalence point is the point in the titration when half the starting material has
been titrated.
At the half-equivalence point, pH = pKa, and the buffer is at its best buffering capacity.

13.Be able to sketch the titration curve for a given polyprotic acid.
For a polyprotic acid the titration curve will have as many rises as there are hydrogen ions
to give up.
Sketch the titration curve of H3PO4 with NaOH.

pH

Volume of NaOH added (cm3)

Section 15.5

14.Know what an acid-base indicator is.

What is an acid-base indicator ?
An acid base indicator is a substance, usually an organic acid,that changes color within a
fairly narrow range of pH values because the acid and its conjugate base are of two
different colors.

15.Choose the best indicator from a list given their pH range of colur change and pH of
titration one drop before and one drop after the equivalence point
In a particular titration experiment the pH of the solution changed from 4.0, one drop before
the equivalence point to 10, one drop after the equivalence point. Will any of these two
indicators, with their range of colour change be suitable for the above titration?

HIn' : 3.8 to 5.4; HIn" : 8 to 9.8

The best indicator is one whose pH range change lies completely within the pH rise. HIn"
has a pH color change between 8 to 9.8, which lies completely between 4.0 and 10.
Therefore, HIn’’ is the better indicator to choose for this titration.