Question

Would you expect the pH at the equivalence point to be acidic, basic, or neutral? Explain based upon the salt ions that exist at the equivalence point.

a. The equivalence point is always neutral.
b. The equivalence point is always acidic.
c. The equivalence point is always basic.
d. The pH at the equivalence point depends on the specific acid and base used.

Answer 1

The pH at the equivalence point of a titration depends on the specific acid and base used.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pH at the equivalence point of a titration depends on the specific acid and base used, so the correct answer is d. The pH can be acidic, basic, or neutral depending on the nature of the salts formed during the neutralization reaction. For example, if a strong acid (such as hydrochloric acid) is titrated with a strong base (such as sodium hydroxide), the equivalence point will be neutral with a pH of 7. However, if a weak acid is titrated with a strong base, the equivalence point will be basic because the conjugate base of the weak acid is a stronger base. Similarly, if a strong acid is titrated with a weak base, the equivalence point will be acidic because the conjugate acid of the weak base is a stronger acid.