Answer to Question #212385 in Physical Chemistry for Arvin

Question

What ratio of [conjugate base]/[acid] would yield the best result for the required buffer solution created in NaH₂PO₄ and HCOOH

Answer 1

A buffer solution is one in which the pH of the solution is "resistant" to small additions of either a strong acid or strong base. Buffers usually consist of a weak acid and its conjugate base, in relatively equal and "large" quantities. Calculations are based on the equation for the ionization of the weak acid in water forming the hydronium ion and the conjugate base of the acid. "HA" represents any weak acid and "A^-" represents the conjugate base.

HA(aq) + H₂O(l) --> H₃O⁺(aq) + A^-(aq)

K_a = [H₃O⁺][A^-]