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Ch.17 - Aqueous Ionic Equilibrium
Chapter 17, Problem 41a

Calculate the pH of the solution that results from each mixture. a. 50.0 mL of 0.15 M HCHO2 with 75.0 mL of 0.13 M NaCHO2

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Acid-Base Chemistry

Acid-base chemistry involves the study of substances that can donate protons (acids) or accept protons (bases). In this question, HCHO2 (formic acid) acts as the acid, while NaCHO2 (sodium formate) serves as its conjugate base. Understanding the properties of acids and bases, including their dissociation in water, is essential for calculating pH.
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Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation

The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is a formula used to calculate the pH of a buffer solution. It relates the pH to the pKa of the acid and the ratio of the concentrations of the conjugate base to the acid. This equation is particularly useful in this scenario, as the mixture of formic acid and sodium formate creates a buffer system.
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Dilution and Concentration Calculations

Dilution and concentration calculations are crucial for determining the final concentrations of solutes in a solution after mixing. When two solutions are combined, the total volume changes, affecting the concentrations of the individual components. Accurately calculating the new concentrations of HCHO2 and NaCHO2 after mixing is necessary to apply the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation effectively.
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