The pH of the buffered solution is approximately 4.39.
Here's how to calculate the pH of the buffered solution:
**1. Determine the concentrations of the acid and its conjugate base:**
* Calculate the moles of benzoic acid (BA) and sodium benzoate (NaBA):
- Molar mass of BA = 122.12 g/mol
- Molar mass of NaBA = 144.11 g/mol
- Moles of BA = 21.5 g / 122.12 g/mol ≈ 0.176 mol
- Moles of NaBA = 37.7 g / 144.11 g/mol ≈ 0.262 mol
* Calculate the concentrations of BA and NaBA in the solution:
- Volume of solution is not provided, so assume 1.00 L for calculation.
- [BA] = 0.176 mol / 1.00 L = 0.176 M
- [NaBA] = 0.262 mol / 1.00 L = 0.262 M
**2. Use the Henderson-Hasselbach equation:**
The pH of a buffer can be calculated using the Henderson-Hasselbach equation:
pH = pKa + log([Conjugate base] / [Acid])
where:
* pKa is the acid dissociation constant of the weak acid (benzoic acid)
* [Conjugate base] is the concentration of the conjugate base (sodium benzoate)
* [Acid] is the concentration of the weak acid (benzoic acid)
* The pKa of benzoic acid is approximately 4.20.
**3. Substitute and solve:**
pH = 4.20 + log(0.262 / 0.176)
pH ≈ 4.39
Therefore, the pH of the buffered solution is approximately 4.39.
The probable question may be:
Calculate the pH of a buffered solution prepared by dissolving 21. 5 g benzoic acid and 37. 7 g sodium benzoate?