Question

A buffer solution is 0.310 M in H2SO3 and 0.304 M in NaHSO3. If Ka1 forH2SO4 is 1.7e-2 , what is the pH of this buffer solution

Answer 1

Answer:

pH of the buffer solution is 1.76

Explanation:

To find the pH of a buffer we can use Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:

pH = pKa + log [A⁻] / [HA]

Where pKa is -log Ka= 1.77 And [A⁻] is molar concentration of conjugate base, NaHSO₃ and [HA] molar concentration of weak acid, H₂SO₃

Replacing values of the problem:

pH = 1.77 + log [0.304M] / [0.310M]

pH = 1.76

pH of the buffer solution is 1.76