What is the pH of a buffer solution that is 0.255 M in hypochlorous acid (HClO) and 0.333 M in sodium hypochlorite? The K_aof hypochlorous acid is 3.81 × 10^-⁸. A) 7.30 B) 7.54 C) 8.49 D) 6.46 E) 13.88

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

First, we need to write the equation for the ionization of HClO:
HClO ⇌ H+ + ClO-

Next, we need to find the pKa of HClO:
pKa = -log(Ka) = -log(3.81 × 10^-8) = 7.42

Using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:

pH = pKa + log([A-]/[HA])
pH = 7.42 + log(0.333/0.255)
pH = 7.54

Therefore, the pH of the buffer solution is 7.54, which is closest to answer choice B.

What Is the PH of a Buffer Solution That Is