Austin Community College Chemistry

Saul Sanchez Experiment 4

Title: pH Measurements- Buffers and their Properties

Goal: Purpose: This experiment has two main goals. The first is to teach the student methods by which
pH of a substance can be measured. There are two main methods. The first is to use indicator dyes, such
as phenolphthalein. The second method uses a pH meter to measure pH. The pH meter determines pH by
measuring the activity of hydrogen ion, H+, in solution. Utilizing dyes and a pH meter, the student will
measure the pH of various solutions of compounds.

The second main goal of the experiment is to teach the student about the properties of buffer
solutions. The students will prepare a buffer solution by mixing equal proportions of a weak acid, and the
conjugate base of the weak acid. The student will measure the pH of the solution and calculate its Ka
value. This can be done using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:

pH = pKa + log([conjugate base]/[acid])

where, pH = -log[H+] and pKa = -log Ka

The student will also test the properties of the buffer by adding small amount of acid and base to
the buffer and checking its pH. This data will be compared to pH changes observed when similar portions
of strong acids and bases are added to water.

Finally, the student will make a buffer of a specific pH. The amounts of acid and conjugate base
necessary will have to be determined. This can be done using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.

Procedure:
A: Determination of pH by the Use of Acid-Base indicators
1) Lable 5 test tubes and add 1 mL 0.10 M HCL (1/2 in depth) to each tube. Add 1-2 drops of one of
the indicators mentioned in the table (ONE INDICATOR PER TUBE). Note the color obtained in
each case
2) Compare the colors obtained and using the table estimate the pH of the solution within a range of
one pH unit. Record the color and pH range for each solution.

Useful pH Range (Approximate)

Indicator 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Methyl Violet Yellow Violet
Thymol Blue Red Yellow
Methyl Yellow Red Yellow
Congo Red Violet Orange/Red
Bromcresol Green Yellow Blue

B: Measurement of the pH of Some Typical Solutions

1) In the rest of the experiment we will be using pH meters to fin the pH. Using a 25 mL sample in a
150 mL beaker measure and record the pH of a 0.10 M solution of each of the following
substances:
NaCl, Na2CO3, NaC2H3O2, NaHSO4
 Austin Community College Chemistry

2) Rince the electrode probe in distilled water between measurements. After each measurement add
1-2 drops of green to the solution and record the color you obtain.
3) Write a net ionic equation that explains qualitatively why the observed pH value is reasonable.
Then write a rationale for the colors obtained with bromcresol green.

C: Some Properties of Buffers

1) One the lab bench we have 0.10 M stock solutions that can be used to make three different
common buffer eye terms. There are
HC2H3O2—C2H3O2- NH4+—NH3 HCO3-—CO32-
acetic acid-acetate ion ammonium ion-ammonia hydrogen carbonate-carbonate
2) Select one of these buffer systems for your experiment. Using a graduated cylinder, measure out
15 mL of the acid component of your buffer into a 100 mL beaker. The acid will be one of the
following solutions: 0.10 M HC2H2O3, 0.10 M NH4Cl or 0.10 MaHCO3 buffer.
3) Measure the pH of your mixture and record it on the Data page. Calculate pK a for the acid.
4) Add 30 mL water to your buffer mixture, mix, and pour half of the resulting solution into another
100-mL beaker. Measure the pH of the diluted buffer. Calculate pK a again.
5) Add 5 drops of 0.10 M NaOH to the diluted buffer and measure the pH again. To the other half of
the diluted buffer add 5 drops 0.10 M HCl and again measure the pH. Record the results.
6) Make a buffer mixture with 2 mL of the acid component and 20 mL of the solution containing the
conjugate base. Mix and measure the pH. Calculate a third value for pK a.
7) Add 3 mL 0.10 M HCl and again measure the pH. Record your results
8) Put 25 mL distilled water into a 100 mL beaker. Measure the pH. Add 5 drops 0.10 M HCl and
measure the pH again.
9) To that solution add 10 drops 0.10 M NaOH, mix, and measure the pH.
10) Select a pH different from any of those you observed in your experiments. Design a buffer, which
should have that pH by selecting appropriate volumes of your acid and basic components. Make
up the buffer and measure its pH.

D: Preparation of a Buffer from a Solution of a Week Acid

1) Dilute an acid solution to 0.10 M by adding 10 mL of the acid to 40 mL water into a 100 mL
beaker and stirring well.
2) Calculate the ration of [B-] to [HB] in the buffer to be prepared. Calculate how much 0.10 M
NaOH you will have to add to 20 mL of your 0.10 M acid solution to produce the required ratio.
This is easily done, if we add y mL of the NaOH the value of [B -]/[HB] will become equal to y(20
- y). Complete the calculations and record the volume of NaOH that should be needed.
3) Now do the experiment to check your prediction. Use the buret containing 0.10 M NaOH solution
that has been set up by the pH meter. Record the volume before starting to add the base, nothing
the pH of the acid.
4) Slowly add the NaOH to 20 mL of the acid stirring well and watching the pH as it slowly goes up.
When you obtain a solution of the pH to the prepared, stop adding NaOH. Report the volume
reading on the buret. Report the volume required to produce your buffer.