How to solve buffer solution problems

Problems with:
pkA and pkB
concentrations of initial component and buffer when a buffered salt is
added to a weak acid
For buffer solution use either molar concentration or moles in the kA or kB
expression to express the amounts of the conjugate acid-base pair.

H = kA

MOLES HC2H302
MOLES C2H3O2

Problem #1
A buffer solution is prepared by taking .400 moles acetic acid (pkA = 4.76) and .250
moles of calcium acetate.
Step 1: Convert pkA to kA 10-4.76 = 1.7410-5
Step 2: Determine amount of buffer ion created (C2H3O2- )
Buffer CA(C2H3O2)2
CA(C2H3O2 )2 CA+2 + 2C2H3O2-

.400
H (1.7 105)(
)
2 .250

H 1.36 105
ph Log 1.36 105 4.86

Indian River State College

Revised 5/8/2014