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Calculate the pH of a buffer that is 0.13 M in lactic acid and 0.10 M in sodium lactate. Express your answer using two decimal places.

User Sateayam
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Answer:

pH of the buffer is 3.75

Step-by-step explanation:

It is possible to find pH of a buffer using Hendersson-Hasselbalch equation:

pH = pKa + log [A⁻] / [HA]

Where [A⁻] is molar concentration of the conjugate base and [HA] concentration of the weak acid

In the lactic buffer, pKa = 3.86. Lactic acid is the weak acid and its conjugate base is tha lactate salt. H-H equation for this buffer is:

pH = 3.86 + log [Lactate] / [Lactic acid]

Replacing with the concentrations of the problem:

pH = 3.86 + log [0.10M] / [0.13M]

pH = 3.75

pH of the buffer is 3.75

User Wycleffsean
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