Calculating pH of Na3PO4 and NaH2PO4 Solution with Ka Values for H2CO3

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In summary, the conversation discusses a homework problem involving 50ml of 0.10M Na_3PO_4 and 50ml of 0.10M NaH_2PO_4. The equations for H_2CO_3 are also provided. The solution involves a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base, and the person is having trouble determining which equilibria will contribute to the answer. They suggest considering the equimolar mixture of Na3PO4 and NaH2PO4 as equivalent to just dissolving Na2HPO4.
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atavistic
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Homework Statement



[tex]50ml[/tex] of [tex]0.10M Na_3PO_4 + 50ml[/tex] of [tex]0.10M NaH_2PO_4[/tex]

For [tex]H_2CO_3[/tex]:
[tex]Ka_1 = 7.5 * 10^{ - 3}[/tex]
[tex]Ka_2 = 6.2 * 10^{ - 8}[/tex]
[tex]Ka_3 = 1.0 * 10^{ - 12}[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Since [tex]K_h[/tex] of [tex]Na_3PO_4 > > Ka_2[/tex] , I considered only hydrolysis of [tex]Na_3PO_4[/tex] but it gives wrong answer.
 
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  • #2
You have a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base - does it ring a bell?
 
  • #3
Actually, there are so many equilibria in this solution I can't figure out what will contribute and the assumption I made(given above) seems to give a wrong answer.
 
  • #4
Actually my previous comment was not too good :frown:

Think this way: you have mixed equimolar amounts of Na3PO4 and NaH2PO4. Does it differ from just dissolving Na2HPO4?
 

FAQ: Calculating pH of Na3PO4 and NaH2PO4 Solution with Ka Values for H2CO3

What is "Another pH"?

"Another pH" refers to the measurement of acidity or alkalinity of a substance on a logarithmic scale with a range of 0 to 14, where 7 is considered neutral. It is a common term used in chemistry and biology to describe the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.

How is pH measured?

pH is measured using a pH meter or pH strips. The pH meter works by measuring the electrical potential difference between a pH electrode and a reference electrode. pH strips, on the other hand, use a color-changing indicator to determine the pH of a solution.

What affects the pH of a solution?

The pH of a solution can be affected by various factors such as the concentration of hydrogen ions, the presence of acidic or basic substances, temperature, and pressure. It can also be influenced by biological processes such as respiration and photosynthesis.

Why is pH important?

pH is important in many aspects of science and everyday life. In biology, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper functioning of enzymes and other biological processes. In chemistry, it is used to determine the reactivity of chemicals and the solubility of substances. In agriculture, it is used to determine the acidity of soil for plant growth. In food and beverage production, pH is an important factor in determining taste and shelf life.

How can pH be controlled?

pH can be controlled by adding acidic or basic substances to a solution to increase or decrease the concentration of hydrogen ions. This process is known as pH adjustment. Other methods of pH control include dilution, temperature adjustment, and using buffers, which are substances that resist changes in pH. In biological systems, pH is often regulated by enzymes and other biological molecules.

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