Calculating pH of Na3PO4 and NaH2PO4 Solution with Ka Values for H2CO3

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The discussion centers on calculating the pH of a solution containing equimolar amounts of Na3PO4 and NaH2PO4, with specific Ka values for H2CO3 provided. The initial approach focused solely on the hydrolysis of Na3PO4, but this led to incorrect results due to overlooking the interactions between the weak acid and its conjugate base. Participants highlight the complexity of equilibria in the solution and suggest that the mixture behaves similarly to dissolving Na2HPO4. The challenge lies in accurately accounting for all equilibria to determine the correct pH. Ultimately, understanding the relationship between the components is essential for accurate pH calculation.
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Homework Statement



50ml of 0.10M Na_3PO_4 + 50ml of 0.10M NaH_2PO_4

For H_2CO_3:
Ka_1 = 7.5 * 10^{ - 3}
Ka_2 = 6.2 * 10^{ - 8}
Ka_3 = 1.0 * 10^{ - 12}


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Since K_h of Na_3PO_4 > > Ka_2 , I considered only hydrolysis of Na_3PO_4 but it gives wrong answer.
 
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You have a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base - does it ring a bell?
 
Actually, there are so many equilibria in this solution I can't figure out what will contribute and the assumption I made(given above) seems to give a wrong answer.
 
Actually my previous comment was not too good :frown:

Think this way: you have mixed equimolar amounts of Na3PO4 and NaH2PO4. Does it differ from just dissolving Na2HPO4?
 
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