How to use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for guidance on how to utilize the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, which is typically used in chemistry and biology to calculate the pH of a buffer solution based on the concentrations of the acid and its conjugate base.
Answer
Use pH = pKa + log([A-]/[HA]) with the values for pKa, [A-], and [HA].
The final answer is to use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, pH = pKa + log([A-]/[HA]), and input the values for pKa, the concentration of the conjugate base [A-], and the concentration of the acid [HA] to calculate the pH of a buffer solution.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is to use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, pH = pKa + log([A-]/[HA]), and input the values for pKa, the concentration of the conjugate base [A-], and the concentration of the acid [HA] to calculate the pH of a buffer solution.
More Information
The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation simplifies the process of determining the pH of buffer solutions, which is vital in many chemical and biological processes.
Tips
A common mistake is to swap the concentrations of the acid and its conjugate base in the equation, which will give an incorrect pH value.
Sources
- Henderson-Hasselbalch Approximation - Chemistry LibreTexts - chem.libretexts.org
- Using the Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation for a Buffer - Study.com - study.com
- Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation - ChemTalk - chemistrytalk.org