Question & Answer: How would you prepare an NaHCO3−Na2CO3 (Ka1(H2CO3)=4.3⋅10−7,Ka2(H2CO3)…..

How would you prepare an NaHCO3−Na2CO3 (Ka1(H2CO3)=4.3⋅10−7,Ka2(H2CO3)=5.6⋅10−11) buffer solution that has pH=10.38? Express your answer using two significant figures

Expert Answer

Buffer

pH = 10.38

pKa2 = 10.25

Using,

pH = pKa + log(base/acid)

[base] = [Na2CO3]

[acid] = [NaHCO3]

So,

10.38 = 10.25 + log([Na2CO3]/[NaHCO3])

[Na2CO3]/[NaHCO3] = 1.35

So to prepare the buffer we would need the base/acid in the ratio 1.35

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