Chapter 15, Problem 102QRT

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The given mathematical equation has to be corrected and the $\text{pH}$ of the solution which contains equimolar concentration of ${\text{HCO}}_3{}^{-}$ and ${\text{CO}}_3{}^{2-}$ has to be calculated.

Concept Introduction:

The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation can be used to determine the pH of the buffer which is formed by the known concentrations of conjugate base and conjugate acid. This equation can also be applied to calculate the ratio of conjugate base to conjugate acid concentration.

The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation can be represented as:

  $\text{pH }={\text{pK}}_{\text{a}}+\log \frac{\left[\text{conjugate}\text{base}\right]}{\left[\text{conjugate}\text{acid}\right]}$