A buffer is created by combining 3.55 g of NH3 with 4.78 g of HCl and diluting to a total volume of 750.0 mL. Determine the pH of the buffer.

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Calculate the moles of NH3 using its molar mass: \( \text{moles of NH}_3 = \frac{3.55 \text{ g}}{17.03 \text{ g/mol}} \).

Calculate the moles of HCl using its molar mass: \( \text{moles of HCl} = \frac{4.78 \text{ g}}{36.46 \text{ g/mol}} \).

Determine the limiting reactant by comparing the moles of NH3 and HCl, and calculate the moles of NH4+ formed.

Use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation: \( \text{pH} = \text{pK}_a + \log \left( \frac{[\text{base}]}{[\text{acid}]} \right) \), where \( \text{pK}_a \) is for NH4+ and the concentrations are based on the remaining NH3 and formed NH4+.

Calculate the concentrations of NH3 and NH4+ by dividing their moles by the total volume of the solution (0.750 L) and substitute these values into the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation to find the pH.

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 ammonia (NH3) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) 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 base, and [HA] is the concentration of the acid. This equation is essential for determining the pH of the buffer created in the question.

Molarity and Dilution

Molarity is a measure of concentration defined as the number of moles of solute per liter of solution. In this scenario, the total volume of the buffer solution is 750.0 mL, which requires converting grams of NH3 and HCl to moles and then calculating their concentrations. Understanding dilution and how to convert between grams, moles, and volume is crucial for accurately determining the pH of the buffer.

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