A buffer is created by combining 150.0 mL of 0.25 M HCHO2 with 75.0 mL of 0.20 M NaOH. Determine the pH of the buffer.

Verified step by step guidance

Calculate the moles of HCHO2 by multiplying its concentration (0.25 M) by its volume (0.150 L).

Calculate the moles of NaOH by multiplying its concentration (0.20 M) by its volume (0.075 L).

Determine the moles of HCHO2 that react with NaOH, noting that NaOH is a strong base and will react completely with HCHO2.

Calculate the moles of the conjugate base (CHO2-) formed from the reaction of HCHO2 with NaOH.

Use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, \( \text{pH} = \text{pK}_a + \log \left( \frac{[\text{A}^-]}{[\text{HA}]} \right) \), to find the pH of the buffer, where \([\text{A}^-]\) is the concentration of the conjugate base and \([\text{HA}]\) is the concentration of the remaining acid.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Buffer Solutions

A buffer solution is a system that resists changes in pH upon the addition of small amounts of acid or base. It typically consists of a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid. In this case, the combination of formic acid (HCHO2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) creates a buffer that can maintain a relatively stable pH.

Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation

The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is a mathematical formula used to calculate the pH of a buffer solution. It is expressed as pH = pKa + log([A-]/[HA]), where pKa is the negative logarithm of the acid dissociation constant, [A-] is the concentration of the conjugate base, and [HA] is the concentration of the weak acid. This equation is essential for determining the pH of the buffer created in the question.

Stoichiometry of Acid-Base Reactions

Stoichiometry involves the calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions. In the context of the buffer solution, it is important to determine how much of the weak acid (HCHO2) and its conjugate base (from the NaOH) are present after the reaction. This allows for the correct concentrations to be used in the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation to find the final pH of the buffer.