Chapter 16, Problem 30E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The ratio of ${\text{HPO}}_{\text{4}}{}^{2-}$ to ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}{}^{-}$ that is required to maintain a $\text{pH}$ of $7.1$ of the buffer within a cell is to be calculated. A buffer system that is employing ${\text{H}}_3{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}$ as the weak acid and ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}{}^{-}$ as the weak base whether can be used within the cell or not is to be explained.

Concept introduction: A buffer solution is an aqueous solution containing the mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base or the mixture of a weak base with its conjugate acid. The buffer solution resists the $\text{pH}$ change by neutralizing the added amount of acid or base.

To determine: The ratio of ${\text{HPO}}_{\text{4}}{}^{2-}$ to ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}{}^{-}$ that is required to maintain a $\text{pH}$ of $7.1$ of the buffer within a cell and if a buffer system that is employing ${\text{H}}_3{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}$ as the weak acid and ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{PO}}_{\text{4}}{}^{-}$ as the weak base can be used within the cell.