Buffer Calculation using the Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on preparing a 0.5 M phosphate buffer at pH 6.7 using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. The user seeks clarification on how to derive the relationships between the components, specifically how B equals 0.3090A and the calculations leading to the final amounts of NaH2PO4 and Na2HPO4 needed. Key steps involve using logarithmic properties to solve for the ratio of B to A and substituting this into the total moles equation. The conversion from moles to grams is also explained, emphasizing the importance of understanding logarithmic functions. Overall, the thread highlights the need for a solid grasp of mathematical concepts to apply the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation effectively.
jibjab
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Homework Statement


Prepare 750 mL of 0.5 M phosphate buffer, pH 6.7 and pKa 7.21. NaH2PO4 (119.96 g/mol) and Na2HPO4 (141.96 g/mol) is available to use.


Homework Equations



pH=pKa+log(B/A)

The Attempt at a Solution



I have the solution from my teacher, but I have no idea how he got the numbers. Could someone please explain how to use this equation? I'm trying to work backwards (I'm terrible at math, I learn the methods from solved examples) but I can't figure out where the numbers are coming from:

6.7=7.21 +log(B/A)
B=0.3090A (How did he get that?)

0.75L x 0.5 mol/L = 0.375 mol = B+A

1.3090A = 0.375 (Why is it 1.3090 and not 0.3090A like above?)

34.37g = 119.96 x (He put a symbol here that looks like <=) A=0.2865 mol
12.57g = 141.96 x <= B=0.885 mol

If someone would explain the process above, I would be extremely grateful. Thanks
 
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jibjab said:
6.7=7.21 +log(B/A)
B=0.3090A (How did he get that?)

That's where you need to know the math that you don't know. I can show you how to do it, but if you don't know properties of logarithms it won't help you much:

6.7-7.21=-0.51=log\frac{B}{A}

Antilogarithm (both sides used as exponents):

10^{-0.51}=\frac{B}{A}

B=10^{-0.51}A=0.3090A

0.75L x 0.5 mol/L = 0.375 mol = B+A

1.3090A = 0.375 (Why is it 1.3090 and not 0.3090A like above?)

B+A=0.375

But we know B=0.3090A, so we can substitute it:

0.3090A + A = 1.3090A = 0.375

[/quote]34.37g = 119.96 x (He put a symbol here that looks like <=) A=0.2865 mol
12.57g = 141.96 x <= B=0.885 mol[/QUOTE]

Number of moles of A and B were calculated from the equations above, here it is just a conversion of moles to mass.
 
OHH I was confusing antilog with natural log. I did say I was terrible at math. :blushing: Thanks for your help!
 
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