Substituting NaOH for Ca(OH)2 in Buffering Capacity Experiment: Will it Work?

In summary, the conversation is about testing the buffering capacity of soils through an experiment. The original text suggests using Ca(OH)2, but the individual only has NaOH and plans to substitute it. They calculate that the equivalent amount of NaOH needed is 0.8g per liter, which is confirmed by the other person in the conversation. They question if this replacement will work for soils analysis.
  • #1
iross75
6
0

Homework Statement



We are doing a experiement where we are testing the buffering capacity of soils. The text says to use Ca(OH)2, but we only have NaOH, which i plan to substitute. I just wanted to check that the solution i make up will have the equivalent OH.


Homework Equations


making up 0.01M solution of Ca(OH)2 which is 0.07g per litre

Of that 0.34g is OH 0.07 x 34/70

Therefore the equialent NaOH would be 0.8g per litre

0.34g *40/14


Would this be correct??
 
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  • #2
By inspection your answer is way off. You are saying that of the 0.07 grams of Ca(OH)2 present in a liter that 0.34 grams of that is due to the counterion, OH? How can you have 0.34 grams out of only 0.07 grams?
 
  • #3
Damn...its not 0.34g is is 34%.

34% of the 0.07g is from the OH.
 
  • #4
Are you familiar with the concept of moles and equivalents?
 
  • #5
Learnt the concepts a long time ago, have been a microbiologist for the last decade, and have now moved into an area where chemistry is required.
 
  • #6
Ahh, great! You want 0.01 moles per liter of Ca(OH)2 which is 0.02 equivalents of OH- per liter. To get that from NaOH you need (0.02moles/L OH-) X (40 g NaOH/mole) which is 0.8 g/L NaOH... same answer as yours.

Do you think the replacement will work in soils analysis?
 

What is a buffering capacity experiment?

A buffering capacity experiment is a scientific investigation that measures the ability of a solution to resist changes in pH when an acid or base is added.

Why is it important to study buffering capacity?

Buffering capacity is important because it helps to maintain the stability of a solution's pH. This is crucial in many biological and chemical processes, as large fluctuations in pH can be harmful or even fatal.

How is a buffering capacity experiment conducted?

In a buffering capacity experiment, a known amount of acid or base is added to a solution of known concentration and pH. The change in pH is then measured and used to calculate the buffering capacity of the solution.

What factors affect buffering capacity?

The buffering capacity of a solution can be affected by the concentration of the buffering agents present, the presence of other ions or molecules that can react with the buffering agents, and the pH range in which the buffering agents are effective.

What are the applications of buffering capacity experiments?

Buffering capacity experiments are used in a wide range of fields, including biochemistry, environmental science, and pharmaceutical research. They can help to understand and control pH in biological systems, design effective drug formulations, and monitor changes in the environment.

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