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