PH for this Weak Acid-Strong Base titration.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the pH of a solution resulting from the titration of a weak acid (ethanoic acid) with a strong base (sodium hydroxide). Participants explore different methods for determining the pH, including the use of ICE tables and the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, while addressing confusion regarding the calculations involved.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their method for calculating pH using moles of the acid and base, leading to a specific pH value.
  • Another participant points out a potential error in the calculation of the concentration of the conjugate base, suggesting it should include additional terms from the reaction.
  • Some participants mention the use of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation as an alternative approach, indicating it is derived from the same principles as the participant's method.
  • There is a discussion about when to use a mole chart, with some suggesting it is applicable in all situations similar to the problem presented.
  • One participant emphasizes that the ratio of concentrations in the Ka formula allows for simplifications, suggesting that finding [H+] can be straightforward without calculating individual molarities.
  • Another participant proposes that assuming neutralization goes to completion can simplify calculations, while also noting that using an ICE table could yield more precise results.
  • There is a correction regarding the value of x in the ICE table, with a participant realizing it should account for the concentration of the conjugate base formed during the reaction.
  • A later reply highlights that the value of x can often be negligible compared to initial concentrations in certain scenarios.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the appropriate methods for calculating pH in this titration scenario. While some agree on the validity of using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, others emphasize the importance of detailed calculations using ICE tables. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that assumptions about the completion of neutralization and the significance of x in calculations can affect the results. The discussion reflects varying levels of understanding and application of concepts related to acid-base titrations.

Ace.
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Homework Statement


What is the pH when 10 ml of 0.1 M NaOH is added to 25 ml of 0.1 M H_{}C_{2}H_{3}O_{2}?

Homework Equations


pH = -log[H_{3}O]

The Attempt at a Solution


The main thing confusing me about this type of problem is that my teacher taught me a way which is different from the methods I see online. And I get a different answer.

This is how I was taught to do it:

moles of H_{}C_{2}H_{3}O_{2} = c * v
= 0.1 M * 0.025L
= 0.0025 mol

moles of NaOH = c * v
= 0.1M * 0.01L
= 0.001 mol

Ethanoic acid is in excess, so
moles H_{}C_{2}H_{3}O_{2} = 0.0025 mol - 0.001 mol
= 0.0015 mol

[H_{}C_{2}H_{3}O_{2}] = \frac{n}{v} = \frac{0.0015}{0.035} = 0.043

H_{}C_{2}H_{3}O_{2} + H_{2}O \leftrightharpoons H_{3}O + C_{2}H_{3}O_{2}^{-}
I \:\: 0.043 \:\:\:\:\:\: - \:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\: 0 \:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\: 0
C \:\:\:\:\:\: -x \:\:\:\:\:\: - \:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\: +x \:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\: +x
E \:\:\: 0.043 - x \:\:\:\:\:\: - \:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\: x \:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\: x

ka = 1.8 * 10^{-5}

1.8 * 10^{-5} = \frac{x^{2}}{0.043}
x = 8.8 * 10^{-4} M
pH = -log[8.8 * 10^{-4}]
= 3.05Is this the right approach?
 
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Your approach is correct but the concentration of ##C_2H_3O_2^-## at E is not x, it is x+something, can you figure out the "something" part? (Think about the reaction of NaOH with the given acid).

What is other approach you talk about? To my knowledge, you have a buffer after reaction of NaOH with ##HC_2H_3O_2## so you might have seen the online resources using Henderson–Hasselbalch equation but that is actually obtained from the procedure you follow, there is really no need to look it up.
 
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Pranav-Arora said:
Your approach is correct but the concentration of ##C_2H_3O_2^-## at E is not x, it is x+something, can you figure out the "something" part? (Think about the reaction of NaOH with the given acid).

What is other approach you talk about? To my knowledge, you have a buffer after reaction of NaOH with ##HC_2H_3O_2## so you might have seen the online resources using Henderson–Hasselbalch equation but that is actually obtained from the procedure you follow, there is really no need to look it up.

Thanks for the reply. The other approach is where they use a mole chart
like this
KfbII4Q5ZQ2V19x3qi7hHAsvWGTmvIRU2n_KH-ZhDEalhTg3ZkD-6mnYq8xD_zk3K-vhKJz7CzsvyP4NphJB44Wnl6Yqqdig.png


I just want to know the situations of when to use a mole chart. This had been confusing me for weeks haha.
 
Ace. said:
I just want to know the situations of when to use a mole chart. This had been confusing me for weeks haha.

You use a mole chart in every situation as you did in your attempt. Did you solve the problem?
 
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From moles and volume you have calculated the molarity of HAc. But you haven't calculated the molarity of Ac- that I can see.

Write out the formula for Ka and you will see you you don't need to calculate either molarity. [HAc] and [Ac-] enter as a ratio, molarity ratio equals moles ratio. From the Ka formula and what you have, finding [H+] is staightforward enough.
 
You can assume neutralization went to completion, use this assumption to calculate [HAc] and [Ac-], plug into Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. Done.

You can also start with above, assume dissociation went further and use ICE table to find the exact answer.

The difference will be in most cases negligible, so the latter step can be safely ignored.

These are about buffer pH, but it is exactly the same problem:

http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=buffers&right=composition-calculation

http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=buffers&right=with-ICE-table
 
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Pranav-Arora said:
Your approach is correct but the concentration of ##C_2H_3O_2^-## at E is not x, it is x+something, can you figure out the "something" part? (Think about the reaction of NaOH with the given acid).

0.029+x?

Oh I seeH_{}C_{2}H_{3}O_{2} + H_{2}O \leftrightharpoons H_{3}O + C_{2}H_{3}O_{2}^{-}
I \:\: 0.043 \:\:\:\:\:\: - \:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\: 0 \:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\: 0.029
C \:\:\:\:\:\: -x \:\:\:\:\:\: - \:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\: +x \:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\: +x
E \:\:\: 0.043 - x \:\:\:\:\:\: - \:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\: x \:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\:\: x + 0.029

ka = 1.8 * 10^{-5}

1.8 * 10^{-5} = \frac{x * 0.029}{0.043}
x = 2.67 * 10^{-5} M
pH = -log[2.67 * 10^{-5}]
= 4.57

And to verify using henderson equation: pH = 4.74 + log(\frac{0.029}{0.043}) = 4.57. Much easier.

Thanks! It makes sense too, I guess my teacher taught me wrong, I'll talk to him about it.
 
Last edited:
Note that x (being 2.67×10-5) is three orders of magnitude smaller than initial concentrations (both being in the 10-2 range). Thats why you can ignore it.

It won't be that way for very diluted solutions.
 

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