Final Answer:
The pH at the equivalence point of the titration between 28.9 mL of 0.0850 M H2SO3 and 0.0372 M NaOH is approximately 8.25.
Step-by-step explanation:
The titration of a weak diprotic acid (H2SO3) with a strong base (NaOH) involves two equivalence points due to the two acidic protons in sulfuric acid. The first equivalence point corresponds to the complete neutralization of the first acidic proton, forming HSO3^- ions. The second equivalence point results from the neutralization of the second proton, forming SO3^2- ions. To find the pH at the second equivalence point:
Step 1: Determine the number of moles of H2SO3 present initially:
Moles = concentration × volume (in liters)
Moles of H2SO3 = 0.0850 mol/L × 0.0289 L = 0.00246 mol
Step 2: Calculate the moles of NaOH required to reach the second equivalence point:
The mole ratio between H2SO3 and NaOH is 1:2.
Moles of NaOH = 0.00246 mol H2SO3 × 2 mol NaOH / 1 mol H2SO3 = 0.00492 mol NaOH
Step 3: Determine the total volume at the second equivalence point:
Total volume = volume of H2SO3 + volume of NaOH
Total volume = 28.9 mL + V(NaOH) = 28.9 mL + (0.00492 mol / 0.0372 mol/L) = 28.9 mL + 0.1322 L = 0.1602 L
Step 4: Calculate the concentration of HSO3^- ions at the second equivalence point:
0.00246 mol of H2SO3 reacts to form 0.00246 mol of HSO3^-
Concentration of HSO3^- ions = moles / total volume = 0.00246 mol / 0.1602 L = 0.01534 M
Step 5: Calculate the pKa of the HSO3^- ion:
H2SO3 ⇌ H+ + HSO3^-
pKa = -log(Ka) = -log(1.7 × 10^-2) ≈ 1.77
Step 6: Calculate the pH at the second equivalence point:
pH = 1/2(pKa - log[HSO3^-]) = 1/2(1.77 - log[0.01534]) ≈ 8.25
Therefore, at the second equivalence point, the pH is approximately 8.25 due to the presence of the HSO3^- ions formed from the complete neutralization of the second acidic proton in H2SO3.