Preparing 0.3M Phosphate Buffer at pH 7.9: c), d), e), f)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preparing a 0.3 M phosphate buffer at pH 7.9, specifically addressing the correct volumes of the acid (NaH2PO4) and its conjugate base (Na2HPO4) needed for a total volume of 150 ml. Participants explore various proposed answers and the underlying theoretical principles, including the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding why option c) is considered correct, seeking clarification on the reasoning behind the answer.
  • Another participant suggests that sharing reasoning could help identify errors and guide towards the correct approach.
  • A participant mentions using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation to arrive at option b) but questions the validity of the provided answers, indicating a possible misunderstanding of buffer preparation.
  • One participant asserts that four out of the six proposed answers do not yield a 0.3 M buffer solution, leaving only two viable options based on the pKa value.
  • A detailed calculation is provided by another participant, showing the application of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and deriving the necessary amounts of NaH2PO4 and Na2HPO4, which they claim are close to the values in option c).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct answer, with multiple competing views on the appropriate volumes of acid and base needed for the buffer preparation. Some participants support option c), while others argue for different options based on their calculations and interpretations of the theory.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the assumptions made in the calculations, particularly in relation to the application of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and the role of water in buffer preparation. There are also unresolved mathematical steps in deriving the correct volumes.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to students and educators in chemistry or biochemistry, particularly those studying buffer solutions and the principles of acid-base equilibria.

MusicMonkey
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According to theory, which amounts of the following acid and its conjugate base would you need to prepare 150 ml of a 0.3 M phosphate buffer at pH 7.9? Use the pKa table below to help you in your answer.

H3PO4 <–> H2PO4- + H+ pKa = 2.3


H2PO4- <–> HPO4-2 + H+ pKa = 7.2


HPO4-2 <–> PO4-3 + H+ pKa = 12.1


Molecular weights: PO4-3 = 95, Na = 23, H = 1


a) 7.5 ml of 0.3M NaH2PO4 and 37.5 ml of 0.3M Na2HPO4 plus water

b) 37.5 ml of 0.3M NaH2PO4 and 7.5 ml of 0.3M Na2HPO4 plus water

answer:--> c) 25 ml of 0.3M NaH2PO4 and 125 ml of 0.3M Na2HPO4

d) 125 ml of 0.3M NaH2PO4 and 25 ml of 0.3M Na2HPO4

e) 0.05 ml of 0.3M NaH2PO4 and 0.25 ml of 0.3M Na2HPO4 plus water

f) 0.25 ml of 0.3M NaH2PO4 and 0.05 ml of 0.3M Na2HPO4 plus water

I don't understand why c) would be the correct answer. Please help! :bugeye:
 
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Can you should show some of your reasoning people might tell you what is wrong and point you toward the right direction
 
Well, I am not sure how to get c as the answer because that is the answer that was given. This question appeared on a test.
I thought the answer should be b because after using the equation pH=pKa+log(A/HA) I got the results of 37.5 and 7.5, but then in theory water is not added to the solution to create a buffer unless I believe a titration is made. I may be mixing this information up with something else. In theory no titration is made and the Henderson-Hasselbach equation is used. That is why I do not understand how the values for C are correct. Thank you.
 
Hellp
I don't understand why c) would be the correct answer.
can you give me the lows please


MusicMonkey said:
According to theory, which amounts of the following acid and its conjugate base would you need to prepare 150 ml of a 0.3 M phosphate buffer at pH 7.9? Use the pKa table below to help you in your answer.

H3PO4 <–> H2PO4- + H+ pKa = 2.3


H2PO4- <–> HPO4-2 + H+ pKa = 7.2


HPO4-2 <–> PO4-3 + H+ pKa = 12.1


Molecular weights: PO4-3 = 95, Na = 23, H = 1


a) 7.5 ml of 0.3M NaH2PO4 and 37.5 ml of 0.3M Na2HPO4 plus water

b) 37.5 ml of 0.3M NaH2PO4 and 7.5 ml of 0.3M Na2HPO4 plus water

answer:--> c) 25 ml of 0.3M NaH2PO4 and 125 ml of 0.3M Na2HPO4

d) 125 ml of 0.3M NaH2PO4 and 25 ml of 0.3M Na2HPO4

e) 0.05 ml of 0.3M NaH2PO4 and 0.25 ml of 0.3M Na2HPO4 plus water

f) 0.25 ml of 0.3M NaH2PO4 and 0.05 ml of 0.3M Na2HPO4 plus water

I don't understand why c) would be the correct answer. Please help! :bugeye:
 
This question looks hard, but in fact is pretty obvious.

First of all - out of 6 answers listed, 4 are wrong, because they don't give 0.3M buffer solution. That leaves only two answers to select from. pKa2 is 7.2 - so to have buffer with pH lower than that you need a solution which contains more acid than base. That leaves only one answer.

Sure, that requires assumption that one of the answers given is correct :smile:


Buffer Maker - the ultimate buffer calculator
 
V=150 ml= 0.15 L
C=0.3 M
pH= 7.9
pKa= 7.2
MW Na2HPO4=(23 x 2) + 1+ 95 = 142
MW NaH2PO4= 23 + (1 x 2) + 95= 120
……..
H2PO4- <–> HPO4-2 + H+
pH = pKa +log conjugated base/ acid
7.9=7.2 + log Na2HPO4/ NaH2PO4
0.7= log Na2HPO4/ NaH2PO4
1) Na2HPO4/ NaH2PO4 = 5.011
2) Na2HPO4 + NaH2PO4= 0.3 M
From 1 & 2 : Na2HPO4= 0.245 NaH2PO4= 0.049

G (wight) [gr]= C(concentration) [M] x mw (molecular weight) X v (volume) [L]
Na2HPO4 G= 0.245 x 0.15 x 142= 5.218 gr in 0.15 L water
NaH2PO4 G= 0.049 x 0.15 x 120= 0.882 gr in 0.15 L water
Or
V= g/C x MW
Na2HPO4 V= 5.218/ 0.3 x 142 = 0.122 L = 122 ml of 0.3M Na2HPO4
NaH2PO4 V = 0.882 / 0.3 x 120= 0.0245 = 24.5 ml of 0.3M NaH2PO4

These answers are close enought to C)
 

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