Experiment 6

Objective:

To investigate how buffer solutions work and compare the impact of adding acid or alkali on the pH of
the buffer.

Procedure:

1. Approximately 50 cm3 of 0.1M ethanoic acid was placed in a 100 cm3 beaker, and a small spatula
(2g) of solid sodium ethanoate was added.
2. The mixture was stirred until the solid completely dissolved, and then 1 cm3 of Universal
indicator solution was added to achieve a recognizable color.
3. The pH of the solution was determined by comparing it with the provided color charts. The
beaker was placed on a white tile and labeled as 'Buffer solution of pH ...'.
4. In a second beaker, 1 drop of 0.1M hydrochloric acid and 50 cm3 of distilled water were mixed
well. Subsequently, 1 cm3 of Universal indicator solution was added, and the pH of this solution
was determined using the provided chart.
5. The contents of the second beaker were diluted with distilled water until a solution of
hydrochloric acid which has the same appearance at the contents of the first beaker. The second
beaker was labeled as 'Un-buffered solution of pH ...'.
6. 1 drop of 0.1M sodium hydroxide was added to each of the beakers, and the changes in pH were
observed.
7. Additional drops of sodium hydroxide and 0.1M hydrochloric acid were subsequently added, and
the corresponding pH changes were noted.

Result:

Diagram:

Discussion:

In this experiment, the objective was to investigate how buffer solutions work and compare the effects
of adding acid or alkali on their pH. The procedure involved preparing a buffer solution using ethanoic
acid and sodium ethanoate, determining its initial pH, and labeling it accordingly. A second solution
without buffering capacity was also prepared for comparison. Drops of sodium hydroxide and
hydrochloric acid were added to observe the changes in pH.

………..

Questions for discussion:

1. Which solution does not change much in pH on addition of alkali and acid?

Buffer solution
 2. Which solution changes very easily, when alkali and acid were added?
Un-buffer solution

3. Explain how the buffer solution resists change in pH when alkali / acid was added to it. Give
appropriate equations as well.

Buffer solutions resist changes in pH when acid or alkali is added to them due to the presence of
a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid in the solution. The
presence of a weak acid and its conjugate base (or a weak base and its conjugate acid) enables
the buffer solution to effectively absorb and neutralize added acid or alkali, thereby resisting
significant changes in pH. For example,

When an alkali (such as NaOH) is added:

HA + OH- → A- + H2O

The hydroxide ions (OH-) from the alkali react with the weak acid (HA) to form the conjugate
base (A-) and water (H2O). This reaction helps to neutralize the excess OH- ions and maintain the
pH of the buffer solution.

When an acid (such as HCl) is added:

A- + H+ → HA

The acid (H+) reacts with the conjugate base (A-) to reform the weak acid (HA). This reaction
prevents a significant increase in H+ concentration and helps to stabilize the pH of the buffer
solution.

Conclusion:

Reference: