Answer:
pH = 4.25
Explanation:
A solution composed of a weak acid and its conjugate base is a <em>buffer solution</em>. To calculate the pH of a buffer solution we use the Henderson-Hasselbach equation:
pH = pKa + log ([conjugate base]/[weak acid]
In this case, we have the following data:
[conjugate base] = [sodium benzoate] = 0.230 M
[weak acid] = [benzoic acid] = 0.205 M
The pKa of benzoic acid is 4.2. So, we introduce the data in the equation:
pH = 4.2 + log (0.230 M/0.205 M) = 4.2 + 0.050 = 4.25
