Why Doesn't Adding Water Change the pH of Acid During Titration?

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SUMMARY

The discussion addresses the misconception that adding water during a titration alters the pH of an acid solution. Participants clarify that while dilution decreases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+), it simultaneously dilutes all components in the solution, maintaining the equilibrium constant (K) unchanged. The key takeaway is that the amount of acid, rather than its concentration, determines the titration outcome, as it is based on neutralization stoichiometry, not pH levels.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of acid-base titration principles
  • Knowledge of chemical equilibrium and equilibrium constants
  • Familiarity with stoichiometry in chemical reactions
  • Basic concepts of solution dilution and concentration
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of chemical equilibrium and its applications in titration
  • Explore the role of stoichiometry in acid-base reactions
  • Learn about the effects of dilution on solution properties
  • Investigate different titration methods and their implications on results
USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, educators, and laboratory technicians involved in acid-base titration experiments and those seeking to deepen their understanding of chemical equilibrium and stoichiometry.

alingy1
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Homework Statement



Ok, so, I've been thinking about this for a while now.

When I was doing titration back in high school, we had to put water (so that the solution would have a larger volume to work with) in the acid in which we were going to pour base from a buret.

Now, my question is this:

Why doesn't the water change the pH of the acid? You add more water which dilutes the concentration of H+. So, then, there is the equilibrium formula:

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

Since you dilute the solution (let's assume by doubling the volume of the solution), the K changes:
[0.5H+][0.5A-]/[0.5HA]

So, equilibrium constant is not the same anymore. Shouldn't this cause changes in the concentration of the acid and thereby false the titration?

I feel there is something that doesn't click here.
 
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alingy1 said:
Why doesn't the water change the pH of the acid?

It does.

You add more water which dilutes the concentration of H+.

It also dilutes all other things present in the solution.

Since you dilute the solution (let's assume by doubling the volume of the solution), the K changes:
[0.5H+][0.5A-]/[0.5HA]

No, K doesn't change. Equilibrium shifts till K has exactly the same value it had before.

So, equilibrium constant is not the same anymore. Shouldn't this cause changes in the concentration of the acid and thereby false the titration?

K didn't change, but even if it would, it would not change the titration result. Amount of acid (note: amount, not concentration!) is calculated from the neutralization stoichiometry, not from pH.
 

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