Finding Ka from pH Titration Graph

In summary, the student is trying to find Ka for an unknown acid at different titration points. They have found their equivalence point, but don't know how to find the Ka from that point. They are using an equation to calculate Ka.
  • #1
BayernBlues
65
0

Homework Statement



Need a little help on a lab. I have all the data for a titration of a weak acid with NaOH which includes the pH of the acid for however many mL of NaOH added. I've plotted a pH vs V NaOH added graph. From that, I plotted a ∆pH/∆V vs V NaOH added graph. From this, I found my equivalence point but the lab is asking me to find Ka for the unknown acid at 0%, 20%, 60% etc titration points where 100% is the equivalence point. From this, I have to identify the acid (it's either acetic acid, monochloroacetic acid, dichloro acetic acid etc.

I've found my equivalence point BUT I don't know how to find the Ka for the unknown acid from this equivalence point.

Homework Equations



Ka = [H+][A-]/[HA]

The Attempt at a Solution



[NaOH] is given as 0.099 M (NaOH)
I'm guessing [HA] = CBVB/VA
Also I'm guessing that [H+] = 10^(-pH) where pH is the ORIGINAL pH of the mixture?
I'm unsure on what [OH-] would be.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Titrations are often recorded on titration curves, whose compositions are generally identical: the independent variable is the volume of the titrant, while the dependent variable is the pH of the solution (which changes depending on the composition of the two solutions). The equivalence point is a significant point on the graph (the point at which all of the starting solution, usually an acid, has been neutralized by the titrant, usually a base). It can be calculated precisely by finding the second derivative of the titration curve and computing the points of inflection (where the graph changes concavity); however, in most cases, simple visual inspection of the curve will suffice (in the curve given to the right, both equivalence points are visible, after roughly 15 and 30 mL of NaOH solution has been titrated into the oxalic acid solution.) To calculate the pKa values, one must find the volume at the half-equivalence point, that is where half the amount of titrant has been added to form the next compound (here, sodium hydrogen oxalate, then disodium oxalate). Halfway between each equivalence point, at 7.5 mL and 22.5 mL, the pH observed was about 1.5 and 4, giving the pKa values.

In monoprotic acids, the point halfway between the beginning of the curve (before any titrant has been added) and the equivalence point is significant: at that point, the concentrations of the two species (the acid and conjugate base) are equal. Therefore, the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation can be solved in this manner:
5d91d139a60e7c7ec84dbdb2d7aeec0a.png

2f0bfb3facc004bf9fbecef5b709522f.png

a2f8fdbb869214704abab4a07eb34783.png

Therefore, one can easily find the acid dissociation constant of the monoprotic acid by finding the pH of the point halfway between the beginning of the curve and the equivalence point, and solving the simplified equation. In the case of the sample curve, the Ka would be approximately 1.78×10-5 from visual inspection (the actual Ka2 is 1.7×10-5)

For polyprotic acids, calculating the acid dissociation constants is only marginally more difficult: the first acid dissociation constant can be calculated the same way as it would be calculated in a monoprotic acid. The second acid dissociation constant, however, is the point halfway between the first equivalence point and the second equivalence point (and so on for acids that release more than two protons, such as phosphoric acid).
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #3
yep, my first graph looks like that and I have the equivalence point from the derivative of that graph. I'm supposed to use a different mothod to find Ka though using this equation:

Ka = [H+][A-]/[HA]

I'm unsure though how to find what [H+] and [A-] would be at the equivalence point. I can find [HA] from the volume of base added though.
 
  • #4
From your equation (Ka=[H+][A-]/[HA]) you can look at the graph before you add any titrant. The pH of the solution before you titrate will give you the concentration of [H+] (and the concentration of [A-]). That concentration ( [H+] ) arises by deprotonation of some of the [HA].

Soooo, if you know that the concentration of [HA] at equilibrium is actually [HA] - [H+], the expression for Ka becomes, Ka = [H+]^2/([HA]-[H+]). Substitute the value of total [HA] that you obtain by completely titrating the acid and the pH you measured before you began to obtain Ka.
 

1. How do I determine Ka from a pH titration graph?

The Ka value can be determined by finding the equivalence point on the graph, where the pH is equal to the pKa value. This can be done by drawing a straight line tangent to the curve at the steepest point and finding the point where the line intersects the pH axis. The pH at this point is equal to the pKa value, which can then be used to calculate Ka.

2. What is the significance of the equivalence point on a pH titration graph?

The equivalence point represents the point in the titration where the moles of acid are equal to the moles of base. This is an important point because it allows us to accurately determine the pKa value and Ka value of the acid being titrated.

3. Can I determine Ka from a titration graph if there is no clear equivalence point?

If there is no clear equivalence point on the graph, it may be difficult to accurately determine the Ka value. In this case, it is best to use other methods such as calculating the pH at half-equivalence point or using a pH meter to measure the pH at various points during the titration.

4. How do I know if my titration graph is accurate?

To ensure accuracy, it is important to perform the titration multiple times and calculate the average values. The graph should also show a smooth and consistent curve, with a clear equivalence point. If there are any anomalies or inconsistencies, it may be necessary to repeat the titration.

5. What other information can be determined from a pH titration graph?

A pH titration graph can also provide information about the strength and concentration of the acid or base being titrated, as well as the buffering capacity of the solution. It can also be used to determine the pH at any point during the titration and to compare the relative strengths of different acids or bases.

Similar threads

  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • Biology and Chemistry Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
4K
Back
Top