Final answer:
The pH of the buffer solution prepared from 0.17 mol sodium acetate, 0.17 mol acetic acid, and 1.03 L of water is 4.74.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the pH of a buffer solution prepared from 0.17 mol sodium acetate, 0.17 mol acetic acid, and just enough water to give 1.03 L of solution, we can use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:
pH = pKa + log([A-]/[HA])
First, we need to find the molar concentrations of acetate (A-) and acetic acid (HA). Since the solution volume is 1.03 L, the molar concentrations will be:
[A-] = 0.17 mol / 1.03 L = 0.165 M
[HA] = 0.17 mol / 1.03 L = 0.165 M
These are equal, which is ideal for a buffer solution. Now, we use the ionization constant (Ka) for acetic acid from Appendix H, which is 1.8 × 10-5. Its pKa is -log(1.8 × 10-5) = 4.74.
Inserting these values into the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation gives:
pH = 4.74 + log(0.165/0.165)
pH = 4.74 + log(1)
pH = 4.74
Therefore, the pH of the buffer solution is 4.74.