Acid-Base Chemistry - MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

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Question

A solution of acetic acid (pKa = 4.75) has a pH of 6.75. The ratio of acid to conjugate base is                     .

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Answer

Use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation: \dpi{100} \small $pH=pK_{a}$+log\left $\frac{\left[ $A^{-}$$ \right]}{\left[ HA \right]}

\dpi{100} \small 6.75=4.75+log\left $\frac{\left [ $A^{-}$$ \right ]}{\left [ HA \right ]}

\dpi{100} \small 2=log\left $\frac{\left[ $A^{-}$$ \right]}{\left[ HA \right]}

\dpi{100} \small $10^{2}$=\left $\frac{\left [ $A^{-}$$ \right ]}{\left [ HA \right ]}=100

We want the ratio of acid to conjugate base, which would be the reciprocal, \dpi{100} \small $10^{2}$=\left $\frac{\left[ HA \right]}{\left[ $A^{-}$$ \right]}=\frac{1}{100}$

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