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Multiple Choice
What is the ratio of of [CH 3COO-] / [CH3COOH] in an acetate buffer at pH = 7? pK a = 4.76.
A
122.43
B
173.78
C
39.84
D
96.31
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the relevant equation for buffer solutions, which is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation: \( \text{pH} = \text{pK}_a + \log \left( \frac{[\text{A}^-]}{[\text{HA}]} \right) \), where [A^-] is the concentration of the conjugate base and [HA] is the concentration of the acid.
Substitute the given values into the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. Here, \( \text{pH} = 7 \) and \( \text{pK}_a = 4.76 \).
Rearrange the equation to solve for the ratio \( \frac{[\text{CH}_3\text{COO}^-]}{[\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}]} \): \( 7 = 4.76 + \log \left( \frac{[\text{CH}_3\text{COO}^-]}{[\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}]} \right) \).
Subtract \( 4.76 \) from both sides to isolate the logarithmic term: \( 7 - 4.76 = \log \left( \frac{[\text{CH}_3\text{COO}^-]}{[\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}]} \right) \).
Convert the logarithmic expression to its exponential form to find the ratio: \( 10^{(7 - 4.76)} = \frac{[\text{CH}_3\text{COO}^-]}{[\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}]} \).