Definitions and descriptions:

Buffer A buffer is a solution that

resists pH changes when acids or

bases are added to the solution.
Most buffer solutions consist of a weak
acid and its conjugate base (salt of the
weak acid).
Examples of Weak Acid Buffer
Systems.
Acetic acid
acetate
Boric acid
borate
Citric acid
citrate
Phosphoric acid
phosphate

Sodium
Sodium
Sodium
Potassium

Ca (M)
buffer pH found with the
pH calculator
0.1

4.76

0.01

4.76

10-3

4.79

10-4

4.95

10-5

5.47

10-6

6.31

10-7

6.89

Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation
pH = pKa + log ([A-]/[HA])
[A-] = molar concentration of a
conjugate base

[HA] = molar concentration of a

undissociated weak acid (M)
The equation can be rewritten to solve
for pOH:
pOH = pKb + log ([HB+]/[ B ])
[HB+] = molar concentration of the
conjugate base (M)
[ B ] = molar concentration of a weak
base (M)
Example Problem Applying the
Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation

Calculate the pH of a buffer

solution made from 0.20 M
HC2H3O2 and 0.50 M C2H3O2that has an acid dissociation
constant for HC2H3O2 of 1.8 x
10-5.
Solve this problem by plugging
the values into the HendersonHasselbalch equation for a
weak acid and its conjugate
base.
pH = pKa + log ([A-]/[HA])
pH = pKa + log ([C2H3O2-] /
[HC2H3O2])
pH = -log (1.8 x 10-5) + log (0.50 M /
0.20 M)
pH = -log (1.8 x 10-5) + log (2.5)
pH = 4.7 + 0.40
pH = 5.1