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REPORT
EXPERIMENT 2: pH AND BUFFERS

Group: _______3______ Class: ______________ Date: ____________

Group members:

Full name Student ID Declaration of Contribution Signature

Giang Ngọc Phương

1 BEBEIU22191 33.33%
Thanh

Nguyễn Ngọc Khánh

2 BEBEIU22107 33.33%
Như

3 Hoàng Trần Minh Nhật BTBTIU22263 33.33%

Total score: _______/100

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Table of Contents
Part 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 4
1. Lab objectives .............................................................................................................................. 4
2. Background information ............................................................................................................ 4
2.1. Acids and bases......................................................................................................................... 4
2.3. pH .............................................................................................................................................. 6
2.4. pH meter ................................................................................................................................... 6
2.5. Buffers ....................................................................................................................................... 7
2.5. Dilution ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Part 2. Materials and Methods .............................................................................................................. 8
1. Materials....................................................................................................................................... 8
2. Methods ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Experiment 1: Deionized Water .................................................................................................... 9
Experiment 2: Strong Acid........................................................................................................... 10
Experiment 3: Weak Acid ............................................................................................................ 10
Experiment 4: Salts ....................................................................................................................... 11
Experiment 5: Buffers .................................................................................................................. 11
Part 3. Results and Discussion............................................................................................................. 12
1. pH OF DEIONIZED WATER .................................................................................................... 12
2. pH OF STRONG ACID ............................................................................................................... 13
3. pH OF WEAK ACID.................................................................................................................... 15
4. pH OF SALTS ............................................................................................................................... 17
5. pH OF BUFFERS ......................................................................................................................... 20
❖ Part I: Addition of 10 drops 0.1 M HCl ............................................................................... 21
❖ Part II: Addition of 10 drops 0.1 M NaOH ......................................................................... 23
Part 4. Conclusions ............................................................................................................................... 25
References ............................................................................................................................................. 25
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List of Figures
Figure 1. The pH meter was used in this experiment. ............................................................................. 7
Figure 2. The equipment was used .......................................................................................................... 9
Figure 3. The process of measuring the pH of Deionized Water. ......................................................... 10
Figure 4. The process of measuring the pH of a strong acid solution ................................................... 10

List of Tables
Table 1. the result table of measuring the pH of distilled water ............................................................ 13
Table 2. The results table of Experiment 2 ............................................................................................ 14
Table 3. The results table of Experiment 3 ............................................................................................ 16
Table 4. The results table of Experiment 4 ............................................................................................ 18
Table 5. Table of pH Measurements for Buffer Solutions .................................................................... 20
Table 6. The results table of pH adjustment using HCl ......................................................................... 23
Table 7. The results table of pH adjustment using NaOH ..................................................................... 24
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Part 1. Introduction
1. Lab objectives
The main objectives of this lab are to distinguish between strong and weak acids and to
learn how to calculate and prepare buffer solutions while testing their buffering ability. This lab
aims to enhance understanding of acid properties and buffer systems, and develop skills in acid-
base chemistry.
2. Background information
2.1. Acids and bases
Acids and bases are fundamental concepts in chemistry that play a crucial role in various
chemical reactions and processes. Understanding the differences between strong and weak acids
and bases is essential in various chemical applications, such as pH regulation, titrations, and
buffer solutions [1] .
a. Acids
Acids are substances that can donate protons (𝐻 + ) to a solution. They increase the
concentration of 𝐻 + ions in water when dissolved, resulting in a decrease in pH. Acids can be
categorized as either strong or weak based on their ability to dissociate and donate protons.
Strong acids are highly dissociated in water, meaning they completely break apart into ions.
Examples of strong acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (𝐻2 𝑆𝑂4 ), and nitric acid
(𝐻𝑁𝑂3). These acids are known for their strong acidic properties and have a high concentration
of 𝐻 + ions in solution.
On the other hand, weak acids only partially dissociate in water, resulting in a lower
concentration of 𝐻 + ions. Examples of weak acids include acetic acid (𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑂𝑂𝐻), citric acid
(𝐶6 𝐻8 𝑂7 ), and carbonic acid (𝐻2 𝐶𝑂3 ). Weak acids exhibit less pronounced acidic properties
compared to strong acids.
The 𝐾𝑎 formula (acid dissociation constant) is used to determine the extent of dissociation
of an acid in an aqueous solution. It represents the equilibrium between the undissociated acid
and the hydronium ions (𝐻3 𝑂+ ). 𝐾𝑎 is calculated by multiplying the concentration of 𝐻3 𝑂+ ions
with the concentration of the dissociated acid and dividing it by the concentration of the
undissociated acid.
[𝐻3 𝑂 + ][𝐴− ]
𝐾𝑎 formula: 𝐾𝑎 = [𝐻𝐴]

Acid : HA (aq) + 𝐻2 𝑂 ⇌ 𝐻3 𝑂+ (aq) + 𝐴− (aq)

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Here, [𝐻3 𝑂+ ] represents the concentration of hydronium ions, [𝐴− ] represents the concentration
of the dissociated acid, and [HA] represents the concentration of the undissociated acid.
p𝐾𝑎 (equivalent to -log𝐾𝑎 ) is a parameter used to assess the acidity of a compound. It is
a logarithmic scale that indicates the degree of ionization of an acid in an aqueous solution.
The p𝐾𝑎 value indicates the acidity level in an equilibrium system. A lower p𝐾𝑎 value
corresponds to a stronger acid that readily ionizes in a solution. Conversely, a higher p𝐾𝑎 value
indicates a weaker acid that ionizes to a lesser extent.
For example, acetic acid has a p𝐾𝑎 value of approximately 4.75. This indicates that acetic acid is
a weak acid as its p𝐾𝑎 value is high, and it only partially ionizes in water.
p𝐾𝑎 is an important tool in chemistry to assess the acidic properties of compounds and compare
the relative strengths of different acids.
b. Bases
Bases, on the other hand, are substances that can accept protons (𝐻 + ) or donate hydroxide
ions (𝑂𝐻 − ) in a solution. Bases increase the concentration of 𝑂𝐻 − ions in water, leading to an
increase in pH. Similar to acids, bases can be classified as strong or weak.
Strong bases are highly dissociated in water and completely dissociate into hydroxide ions.
Examples of strong bases include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and
calcium hydroxide (𝐶𝑎(𝑂𝐻)2 ). These bases exhibit strong alkaline properties and have a high
concentration of 𝑂𝐻 − ions.
Weak bases, in contrast, only partially dissociate in water and have a lower concentration of
𝑂𝐻 − ions. Ammonia (𝑁𝐻3 ) and ammonium hydroxide (𝑁𝐻4 𝑂𝐻) are examples of weak bases.
They display weaker alkaline properties compared to strong bases.
The 𝐾𝑏 formula (base dissociation constant) is used to determine the extent of
dissociation of a base in an aqueous solution. It represents the equilibrium between the
undissociated base and the hydroxide ions (𝑂𝐻 − ). 𝐾𝑏 is calculated by multiplying the
concentration of 𝑂𝐻 − ions with the concentration of the dissociated base and dividing it by the
concentration of the undissociated base.
[𝑂𝐻 − ][𝐵𝐻 + ]
𝐾𝑏 formula: 𝐾𝑏 = [𝐵]

Base : B (aq) + H2O ⇌ 𝐵𝐻 + (aq) + 𝑂𝐻 − (aq)

Here, [𝑂𝐻 − ] represents the concentration of hydroxide ions, [𝐵𝐻 + ] represents the concentration
of the dissociated base, and [B] represents the concentration of the undissociated base.
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p𝐾𝑏 (equivalent to -log𝐾𝑏 ) is a parameter used to assess the basicity of a compound. It is

a logarithmic scale that indicates the degree of ionization of a base in an aqueous solution.
The pKb value indicates the basicity level in an equilibrium system. A lower p𝐾𝑏 value
corresponds to a stronger base that readily ionizes in a solution. Conversely, a higher p𝐾𝑏 value
indicates a weaker base that ionizes to a lesser extent.
For example, ammonia (𝑁𝐻3 ) has a p𝐾𝑏 value of approximately 4.75. This indicates that
ammonia is a weak base as its p𝐾𝑏 value is high, and it only partially ionizes in water.
p𝐾𝑏 is an important tool in chemistry to assess the basic properties of compounds and compare
the relative strengths of different bases.
2.3. pH
pH stands for "potential of hydrogen" and is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen
ions (𝐻 + ) in a solution. pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution and is represented on
a scale ranging from 0 to 14 [2] .
On the pH scale, a value of 7 is considered neutral, indicating that the solution has equal
concentrations of 𝐻 + and hydroxide ions (𝑂𝐻 − ). pH values below 7 indicate an acidic solution,
while pH values above 7 indicate a basic solution.
The relationship between pH and the concentration of 𝐻 + is represented by the following
formula:
pH = -log[𝐻 + ]
Here, [𝐻 + ] represents the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution.
By determining the pH value, we can assess the acidity or alkalinity of a solution and evaluate
the chemical properties and interactions of substances within the solution.
2.4. pH meter
A pH meter is a scientific instrument used to measure the pH of a solution accurately. It
is a device commonly used in chemistry, biology, environmental science, and various other fields
where pH monitoring is important.
A pH meter consists of several components, including a glass electrode, a reference electrode,
and a pH meter unit. The glass electrode is the main component responsible for measuring the
pH of the solution. It contains a special glass membrane that selectively interacts with hydrogen
ions in the solution. The reference electrode provides a stable reference potential against which
the pH measurement is made.
To use a pH meter, the electrodes are immersed in the solution of interest. The pH meter unit
measures the potential difference between the glass electrode and the reference electrode and
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converts it into a pH value, which is displayed on the meter's screen. Some pH meters may also
have temperature compensation capabilities to account for the effect of temperature on pH
measurements.
pH meters offer several advantages, including high accuracy, wide pH range measurement, and
ease of use. They are commonly used in laboratories, quality control processes, environmental
monitoring, and research applications.

Figure 1. The pH meter was used in this experiment.

2.5. Buffers
A buffer is a chemical system used to maintain a stable pH in a solution when there are
changes in the concentration of hydrogen ions (𝐻 + ) or hydroxide ions (𝑂𝐻 − ) in the solution.
A buffer consists of a chemical reaction pair between a weak acid and its salt or between a weak
base and its salt. This reaction pair forms an equilibrium system where the formation and release
of 𝐻 + and 𝑂𝐻 − ions are maintained at a relatively stable level.
Through the chemical reaction pair, a buffer has the ability to absorb 𝐻 + or 𝑂𝐻 − ions generated
from other reactions, thereby regulating pH changes in the solution. When an acid or base is
added to a buffer solution, the buffer system reacts to maintain a stable pH level.
Buffers are widely used in chemical reactions, laboratories, and biological applications. They
help maintain stable pH conditions for reactions, protect pH-sensitive compounds from pH
changes, and assist in controlling the environmental conditions for biological processes [3].
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2.5. Dilution
Dilution is a process in which the concentration of a solution is reduced by adding more
solvent to it. It involves the addition of a solvent, typically water, to a concentrated solution to
achieve a desired lower concentration.
The process of dilution is commonly used in various scientific and practical applications. In the
laboratory, it is used to prepare solutions with specific concentrations for experiments, analyses,
and calibrations. In industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemistry,
dilution is employed to adjust the strength or concentration of substances to meet specific
requirements.
The dilution process follows a simple mathematical relationship known as the dilution formula:
𝐶1 𝑉1 = 𝐶2 𝑉2
Where 𝐶1 is the initial concentration of the solution, 𝑉1 is the initial volume of the solution, 𝐶2 is
the desired final concentration, and 𝑉2 is the final volume after dilution. By manipulating the
volumes and concentrations, the desired dilution can be achieved.
Dilution is an important technique to ensure accuracy in scientific experiments, maintain safety
in handling concentrated solutions, and control the concentration of substances in various
practical applications.

Part 2. Materials and Methods

1. Materials
● A pH meter
● Pipette (10mL)
● Pasteur pipette
● Stirring rod
● Cylinder (100mL)
● Volumetric Flask (100mL)
● 4 Beakers (100mL, 200mL, 250mL, 500mL)
Experiment 1: Deionized Water
● Deionized water: 50mL
Experiment 2: Strong Acid
● 0.1M HCl: 10mL
● 0.1M NaOH: 20mL
● 0.01M NaOH solution: 100mL (10mL 0.1M NaOH : 90mL H2O)
Experiment 3: Weak Acid
● 0.1M CH3COOH: 20mL
● 0.01M CH3COOH: 20mL
● 0.001M CH3COOH: 20mL
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Experiment 4: Salts
● 0.1M NaCl: 20mL
● 0.1M CH3COONa: 20mL
● 0.1M NH4Cl: 20mL
Experiment 5: Buffers
● 0.1M CH3COOH: 50mL
● 0.1M CH3COONa: 50mL
● 0.1M HCl: 40mL
● 0.1M NaOH: 40mL

Figure 2. The equipment was used, A) A pH meter, B) Pipette, C) Pasteur pipette, D) Stirring rod, E)
Cylinder (100mL) and Volumetric Flask (100mL), F) 4 Beakers (100mL, 200mL, 250mL, 500mL).

2. Methods
Experiment 1: Deionized Water
● Step 1: Measured 50mL of deionized water into the cylinder, then poured it into the beaker
and stirred with a stirring rod.
● Step 2: Stirred continuously for 20 seconds, then stopped stirring and recorded pH.
● Step 3: Keep doing the same procedure until there were no significant changes in pH value.
● Step 4: Record the data of pH that has been measured with the pH meter on the data sheet,
then compared the results of another group in the class.
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Figure 3. The process of measuring the pH of Deionized Water, A) Measured 50mL of deionized water
into the cylinder, B) Poured 50mL of deionized water into the beaker and stirred with a stirring rod, C)
Measured pH with a pH meter.
Experiment 2: Strong Acid
● Step 1: Prepare 10mL 0.1M HCl, 20mL 0.1M NaOH measured in cylinder, then add the
solutions to each marked beaker.
● Step 2: Prepared 100mL 0.01M NaOH solution (10mL 0.1M NaOH : 90 mL H2O) with
10mL 0.1M NaOH measured by pipette, then put into volumetric flask with 90mL H2O and
remembered to check the dilution process.
● Step 3: Measured 10mL 0.1M HCl with a pipette into a beaker, then measured and recorded
pH with a pH meter.
● Step 4: Added 90mL distilled water to 10mL 0.1M HCl, then measured and recorded pH
with a pH meter.
● Step 5: Added more 10mL 0.1M NaOH to the solution, then measured and recorded pH
with a pH meter.
● Step 6: Continued to add more 90mL 0.01M NaOH to the solution.
● Step 7: Record the data of pH that has been measured with the pH meter on the data sheet,
then compared the results of another group in the class.

Figure 4. The process of measuring the pH of a strong acid solution, A) Measured the solution with
pipette, B) Added the solution to beaker, C) Measure pH with a pH meter.

Experiment 3: Weak Acid

● Step 1: Prepared 20mL 0.1M CH3COOH - solution A.
● Step 2: Prepared 20mL 0.01M CH3COOH - solution B (dilute solution A 10 times).
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● Step 3: Prepared 20mL 0.001M CH3COOH - solution C (dilute solution A 10 times or dilute
solution B 10 times) measured by pipette, then put into volumetric flask and remembered to
check the dilution process above.
● Step 4: Put each prepared solution into the beaker.
● Step 5: Recorded the data of pH that has been measured with the pH meter on the data sheet.
● Step 6: Calculate the averaged Ka of each prepared solution, then compare the pH results
with the other group in the class.

Experiment 4: Salts
● Step 1: Prepared 20mL 0.1M NaCl.
● Step 2: Prepare 20mL 0.1M CH3COONa.
● Step 3: Prepared 20mL 0.1M NH4Cl.
● Step 4: Pour each solution measured in cylinders into the beakers.
● Step 5: Recorded the data of pH that has been measured with the pH meter on the data sheet.
● Step 6: Calculate the averaged Ka of each prepared solution, then compare the pH results
with the other group in the class.

Experiment 5: Buffers
● Step 1: Prepared 50mL 0.1M CH3COOH, 50mL 0.1M CH3COONa, 40mL 0.1M HCl and
40mL 0.1M NaOH. Pour each solution measured in cylinders into the beakers.
● Step 2: Added 10mL 0.1M CH3COOH and 40mL 0.1M CH3COONa to a beaker (50mL
Buffer A). Added 40mL 0.1M CH3COOH and 10mL 0.1M CH3COONa to a beaker (50mL
Buffer B).
● Step 3: Recorded pH of each buffer for 2 times.
● Step 4: Divided equally 50mL buffer A in half, mark it as A1, A2 and record the pH of A1,
A2. Divided equally 50mL buffer B in half, marked it as B1, B2 and recorded pH of B1, B2.
● Step 5: Added 10 drops 0.1M HCl to 25mL Buffer A1, 10 drops 0.1M HCl to 25mL Buffer
B1 and recorded pH of A1, B1.
● Step 6: Added more drops 0.1M HCl until the pH changed by one unit from the start and
recorded VHCl (in drops).
● Step 7: Added 10 drops 0.1M NaOH to 25mL Buffer A2, 10 drops 0.1M NaOH to 25mL
Buffer B2 and recorded pH of A2, B2.
● Step 8: Added more drops 0.1M NaOH until the pH changed by one unit from the start and
recorded VNaOH (in drops).
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Part 3. Results and Discussion

1. pH OF DEIONIZED WATER
Observed pH
Time
1st 2nd Discussion
(second)
(Group_3_) (Group_4_)

0
5.39
6.66

20 5.40
The statistics measured in the board above
6.75 show the changes of distilled water in every
case stirring water at different times. In the
data of group 3, the statistics fluctuate
40 between the level of 6.80 to 6.51, suitable
5.39
with the scale of pH for clear distilled water
6.80 from 6.5 to 7. The change of the statistics in
each measuring time seems to come from the
change of the position of the proton H+ in the
60 aqueous solution when the solution was
5.44
6.65 stirred in each time and maybe, the increase
of temperature in each case contributes to the
change of the unit of pH. Compared to that
80 of group 4, the information shows that the
5.44
level of pH number in experiments is always
6.67
less than 6.5. It means the solution has acidic
characteristics due to the higher
+
100 concentration of H and lower amount of
5.46 OH- . The reason can be due to the
6.60 contamination of acidic chemicals into the
water solution.

120
5.53
6.54

140
5.65
6.53
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160
5.66
6.51
Table 1. the result table of measuring the pH of distilled water
2. pH OF STRONG ACID
Measured pH
Theoretical
Solution 1st 2nd Discussion
pH
(Group_3_) (Group_4_)

In this case of experiment, the

10 mL of 0.1M HCl 1 1.23 main purpose is measuring the
0.96 accuracy between theoretical
and measured statistics of pH in
Add 90 mL of distilled several cases of solution when
2 1.94
water mixing them together. The
2.29 number of pH in the first case
with 0.1 mL of HCl of group 3
Add 10 mL of 7 5.5 and group 4 are 0.96 and 1.23
0.1M NaOH respectively with theoretical
7.22 pH number is 1 and in the
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second case with the solution

11.65 11.32 after adding 90mL distilled
11.00 water, the statistics are in
acceptable measured number,
about 2.29 with group 3 and
1.94 with group 4, compared
with theoretical pH number - 2.
Then, after adding 0.1M
NaOH, the measured pH rate of
the solution in 2 groups
changed significantly with 7.22
of group 3 and 5.55 of group 4.
This was due to the collapse of
the pHmeter machine in the
Add 90 mL of case of group 4. Finally, after
adding more 90mL 0.01M
0.01M NaOH NaOH, the measured number of
2 groups are 11.00 and 11.32
respectively. In those cases of
10mL 0.1M HCl, after adding
90mL distilled water and after
adding 90mL 0.01M NaOH the
difference may come from the
temperature of the reactions
and the environment itself; the
amount of reactants of solutions
being added in can be over or
lose the allowed amount for a
very small amount that we are
no able to realize.

Table 2. The results table of Experiment 2

Calculation:
Starting with 10mL of 0.1M HCl, the mole concentration of solution is 0.1 equal to the
concentration of proton. Therefore, to calculate the pH value of solution, we use the recipe pH=-
log(H+) and formula:
HCl —> H+ + Cl-
0.1 0.1 0.1
pH=-log(H+) = -log(0.1) = 1
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After adding 90mL distilled water into the original solution, the concentration of solution
probably will change compared to the original one and to predict the value of pH of the solution, we
use the recipes M1.V1 = M2.V2 and pH=-log(H+) after having V2 = 10+90 = 100mL.
M1.V1 = M2.V2 = 0.1 . 10 = M2 . 100 => M2 = 0.01M = (H+) concentration
pH=-log(H+) = -log(0.01)= 2
After adding 10mL 0.1M NaOH into the solution, there is a reaction between NaOH and HCl.
NaOH + HCl —> NaCl + H2O
0.1M 0.1M
Because the product at the end of the reaction is NaCl - a neutral salt and in the solution, the
concentration of HCl and NaOH is the same so this reaction occurs completely. As a result, the pH
value of the solution is 7.
And finally, after adding 90mL of 0.01M NaOH into the solution, the NaOH dissolves into the
solution under the formation of ions such Na+ and OH- and CM = 0.01M, V= 90mL. By applicating the
recipes pOH = -log( OH- ) and pH= 14 - pOH. Therefore:
n = CM .V = 0.01 . 0.09 = 0.0009 (mol)
Vtotal = 110 + 90 = 200mL = 0.2L
CM NaOH = CM OH- = 0.0009/0.2 = 0.0045M
NaOH —> Na+ + OH-
0.0045M 0.0045M
pOH = -log( OH- ) = -log (0.0045) = 2.35
pH = 14 - pOH =14 - 2.35 = 11.65
3. pH OF WEAK ACID
Measured pH
Solution 1st 2nd Ka Discussion
(Group_3_) (Group_4_)

The experiment above shows

0.1M acetic acid 3.0 1.82 x 10-6 specific pH in the same weak
3.37 acids as acetic acids in
different dissolved volumes.
0.01M acetic acid 1.32 x 10-6 The pH concentration
3.94 3.30 increasing means the acidic
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power of acetic acid decreases

3.75 2.754 x 10-7 and the averaged Ka reduces
as the acidic power. In the
0.001M acetic acid other words, reduced averaged
4.78 Ka equal to reducing Ionized
rate.

Table 3. The results table of Experiment 3

Calculation:
To have 0.01M and 0.001M Acetic acid, we had to dissolve the original 0.1M acetic acid in water
with rates by applying the equation
M1 V1 = M2 V2
with V is the total volume of solution. And to produce 0.01M Acetic acid, 0.1M acetic acid needed to
be diluted 10 times, which means you needed to add more water into it. So firstly, we give V2 a value
(100mL)
M1 V1 = M2 V2
0.1 . V1 = 0.01 . 100
=> V1 = 10 mL
It means you need to add more 90 mL distilled water (= 100mL - 10mL) into the original solution. The
same with 0.001M acetic acid, there is a need to dilute the original solution 100 times or 0.01M acids
10 times. So the same as V2, V3 = 100 mL
M2 V2 = M3 V3
0.01 . V2= 0.001 . 100
=> V2 = 10mL => Vwater = 100 - 10 = 90mL
Therefore, 90mL water needs to be added into the 0.01M solution to produce 0.001M acetic acid
solution.

The next thing needed to do is calculating the averaged Ka of each case. By applying the recipes
Ka = [H3O+] . [A-] / [HA] and pH = -log(H3O+), we have some equations like this:
In the case of 0.1M acetic acid, pH = 3.37, [HA] = CM = 0.1M. Therefore:
pH = -log(H3O+) => [H3O+] = 10-pH = 10-3.37
[H3O+] = [A-]
Ka = (10-3.37)2/0.1 = 1.82 x 10-6
The same with the case of 0.01M acetic acid, pH = 3.94, [HA] = 0.001. So:
pH = -log(H3O+) => [H3O+] = 10-pH = 10-3.94
[H3O+] = [A-]
Ka = (10-3.94)2/0.01 = 1.32 x 10-6
In the final case, pH = 4.78 and [HA] = 0.001. Due to that:
pH = -log(H3O+) => [H3O+] = 10-pH = 10-4.78
[H3O+] = [A-]
Ka = (10-4.78)2/0.001 = 2.754 x 10-7
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4. pH OF SALTS
Measured pH
Predicted
Solution 1st 2nd Discussion
pH
(Group_3_) (Group_4_)

The experiment above shows

0.1M NaCl 7 5.75 the pH of salt to prove that salt
6.80 also has pH itself like acids and
bases and moreover, each kind
of them also has a separate level
0.1M CH3COONa >7 7.67
of pH number. Looking at
7.45
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NaCl, the predicted number of

<7 5.32 pH is about 7 and in reality, the
measured number shows that it
6.53
is about 6.80 in group 3 which
has high precision with the
predicted number but in group
4, the measured statistic is 5.75
showing the solution of NaCl
has acidic features. This can be
because the NaCl of group 4 has
been contaminated by acidic
chemicals or they have some
problems with the pH
measuring tool. In the second
text with another compound
CH3COONa, the measured
number of both groups are more
exact with the predicted pH (
>7) with 7.45 and 7.67 ( group
3 and 4 respectively). That
0.1M NH4Cl
shows the basic characteristics
of Na+ be stronger than the
acidic features of CH3COO- and
therefore, although being a
neutral salt, it seems to still
have basic features in
orientation. At the last case,
with NH4Cl, both groups 3 and
4 showed the results 6.53 and
5.32 respectively proving that
ion NH4+ is weaker than ion Cl-
and this cause the occupation of
the acidic feature (it can be
because that a few percentages
of ion Cl- can take proton H+
from NH4+ when dissolve in
water to form NH3 in gas form
and HCl in solution)

Table 4. The results table of Experiment 4

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Calculation:
Because NaCl is a salt that dissociates completely in water into sodium ions (𝑁𝑎+ ) and chloride
ions (C𝑙 − ). These ions do not contribute to the acidity or alkalinity of the solution. Since NaCl does not
release any hydrogen ions (𝐻 + ) or hydroxide ions (𝑂𝐻 − ) into the solution, the pH remains neutral at 7,
indicating a balanced concentration of 𝐻 + and 𝑂𝐻 − ions.

A 0.1M 𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑂𝑂𝑁𝑎 solution has a pH greater than 7 because 𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑂𝑂𝑁𝑎 is the sodium salt of
acetic acid (𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑂𝑂𝐻). Acetic acid is a weak acid that partially dissociates in water, releasing hydrogen
ions (𝐻 + ). However, when CH3COOH is converted into 𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑂𝑂𝑁𝑎, the acetate ion (𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑂𝑂− )
formed is the conjugate base of acetic acid and has a very weak affinity for 𝐻 + ions.
In the solution, the 𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑂𝑂− ions from 𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑂𝑂𝑁𝑎 can react with water to a small extent, producing
a few hydroxide ions (𝑂𝐻 − ) through a process called hydrolysis. This hydrolysis reaction shifts the
balance of 𝐻 + and 𝑂𝐻 − ions in the solution, resulting in a slightly basic pH. Therefore, a 0.1M
𝐶𝐻3 𝐶𝑂𝑂𝑁𝑎 solution has a neutral pH that is slightly above 7 due to the presence of hydrolyzed
𝑂𝐻 − ions.
A 0.1M 𝑁𝐻4 𝐶𝑙 solution has a pH that is less than 7, indicating acidity. 𝑁𝐻4 𝐶𝑙 is the ammonium
salt of hydrochloric acid (HCl). When 𝑁𝐻4 𝐶𝑙 dissolves in water, it dissociates into ammonium ions
(𝑁𝐻4 + ) and chloride ions (C𝑙 − ).
The 𝑁𝐻4 + ions have the potential to act as a weak acid through the following equilibrium reaction:
𝑁𝐻4 + ⇌ 𝑁𝐻3 + 𝐻 +
In this reaction, some of the 𝑁𝐻4 + ions can donate a proton (𝐻 + ) to water, generating ammonium
hydroxide (𝑁𝐻3 ) and releasing 𝐻 + ions into the solution. As a result, the concentration of 𝐻 + ions
increases, leading to an acidic pH. The pH of a 0.1M 𝑁𝐻4 𝐶𝑙 solution will be less than 7 but greater than
1, as the concentration of 𝐻 + ions is influenced by the equilibrium between 𝑁𝐻4 + and 𝑁𝐻3 .
 International University, Vietnam National University - HCMC 20
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5. pH OF BUFFERS

Volume Volume (mL) Measured pH

Calculated
Buffer (mL) 0.1M 0.1M Acid Base 1st 2nd
pH
CH3COOH CH3COONa (Group 3) (Group 4)

A 10.0 40.0 0.02M 0.08M 5.342 5.88

5.67

B 40.0 10.0 0.08M 0.02M 4.137 3.77

4.59
Table 5. Table of pH Measurements for Buffer Solutions
Calculation pH:
Firstly, in this experiment, we have to calculate the mol concentration in Acid and Base of the
solutions A and B with different rates of volumes of original acid and basic salt with the same Mol
concentration.
CM acid = 0.1M; CM salt = 0.1M
=> nacid = 0.1 x 0.01 = 0.001
=> nsalt = 0.1 x 0.04 = 0.004
Vtotal = Vacid + Vsalt = 0.01 + 0.04 = 0.05 (L)
CM acid (2) = 0.001/0.05 = 0.02M
CM salt (2) = 0.004/0.05 = 0.08M
And in the buffer B, there is an exchange between the volumes of initial acid and salt leading to the
exchanged results.
Secondly, to have the calculated pH, we have to applicate the recipes pH = pK a + log([A-]/[HA])
with the pKa of acetic acid = 4.74.
In the both case, we have the ionic equation

CH3COOH + H2O => CH3COO- + H3O+

CH3COO- + H2O => CH3COOH + OH-

and in the first case, the CM of [HA] = CH3COOH = 0.02M, the CM of [A-] = CH3COO- = 0.08. Therefore:

pH = 4.74 + log(0.08/0.02) = 5.342

And in the second case, just the same as the first case, but exchange the quantity of the C M of [A-] and
[HA]. We have:
pH = 4.74 + log(0.02/0.08) = 4.137
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Discussion:
In Fact, the realistic values are about 5.67 with buffer A and 4.59, which results have high
accuracy compared to the calculated pH value respectively 5.343 and 4.137 that of group 4, 5.88 with
buffer A and 3.77 with buffer B. Moreover, this experiment showed the calculated value and realistic
results can be different due to many factors such as a small percent of the solution might not interact to
each other or more the amount of calculated concentration of H+ in the solution was released than the
original prediction and those factors contributed to the difference between the measured value and
calculated value.
❖ Part I: Addition of 10 drops 0.1 M HCl
pH from pH after Total volume HCl (drops)
Buffer the start, adding 10 to change pH by one unit Discussion
pHo drops HCl (pHo-1)

A In the buffer A , the

270 drops - 13.5 mL
measured pH at the
5.72 5.69
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CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

starting point is 5.72,

changing a little compared
4.63 4.52 83 drops - 4.15 mL (3.64)
to the value of itself before
(high ability due to the
change of the temperature
and the time to interact
with atmospheric gas) and
after 10 drops of HCl, it
reduces to 5.69, decreasing
by 0.03. To make it drop
down by one value of pH,
it takes 270 drops of HCl
which is equal to 13.5 m.
In buffer B, the measured
pH at the jumping point is
about 4.63 (not changing
much compared to the
original value of itself
before) and after adding
10 drops of HCl, the value
B has decreased by 0.11 to
4.52. To make the pH
value drop down by 1 unit,
it needs 83 drops of HCl to
succeed (equal to 4.15
mL). It seems to occur by
the rate between acid and
base, base in the solution
playing a role as an
inhibited factor of H+
concentration in solution.
Therefore, in solution A,
acid < base -> takes more
drops and volume of H+ to
inactive the moderating
ability of base. On the
opposite side, the pH value
in buffer B changes in a
shorter time than buffer A
due to the quantity of
original Acids over that of
the original base.
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CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

Table 6. The results table of pH adjustment using HCl

❖ Part II: Addition of 10 drops 0.1 M NaOH

pH from pH after Total volume NaOH
Buffer the start, adding 10 (drops) to change pH by Discussion
pHo drops NaOH one unit (pHo+1)

In the experiments of part

A 5.68 5.70 II, we can see how the pH
110 drops (5.5mL) -> rate changes in differ
increasing suddenly to numbers of drops of NaOH
11.64 (unit of pH)
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CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

in differ buffers with

different concentrations or
4.61 4.65 280 drops (14 mL) -> 5.64 volumes of acid and base in
pH
the solution. We can see in
buffer A, the pH value at
starting point is 5.68 and
increases a little bit to 5.70
after 10 drops of base.
Moreover, it must reach the
level of pH + 1 after 120
drops but it did not succeed.
In Fact, after 110 drops, the
value of pH immediately
and suddenly jumped from
5.7 to 11.64. There is an
explanation that the buffers
have specific range to
moderate the pH or the
B
concentration of H+ and
OH- in the solution and
because of being out of the
range of the moderated
ability of the buffers, the
pH value is no longer
immobilized in suitable
level of pH values. So, it
led to the mutation in the
increasing value of pH.
And in buffer B, the
quantity of pH value just
the same as buffer A, going
up really slowly, from 4.61
to 4.65 and it took 280
drops or equal to 14mL to
make the pH + 1.

Table 7. The results table of pH adjustment using NaOH

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CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

Part 4. Conclusions
In this lab session, we focused on the measurement of pH for acid, base, and buffer solutions.
We gained practical experience in using a pH meter to accurately determine the pH values of different
solutions. Throughout the lab, we realized the significance of pH measurement in chemical analysis
and process control. pH measurement allows us to assess the acidity or alkalinity of a solution,
providing valuable insights into the chemical properties and interactions of substances in solution.
Moreover, we explored the concept of buffer solutions and learned how to prepare a buffer solution
that can maintain a stable pH. By practicing the preparation and testing of buffer solutions, we
deepened our understanding of buffering capacity and its applications in chemical reactions and
biological processes. This lab provided us with hands-on experience, honing our laboratory skills,
precise measurement techniques, and a comprehensive understanding of pH, acids, bases, and buffers.
The knowledge and skills gained from this lab will prove valuable in research, analysis, and practical
applications across various scientific and technological fields. In conclusion, the pH measurement lab
for acids, bases, and buffers enabled us to apply pH measurement techniques, gaining insights into the
properties and interactions of acid, base, and buffer solutions.

References
[1] Zumdahl, S. S., & DeCoste, D. J. (2017). Chemical Principles (8th ed.). Cengage Learning. (Pages
615-641)
[2] Harris, D. C. (2010). Quantitative Chemical Analysis. W. H. Freeman and Company. (Page 150-
156)
[3] Nelson, D. L., Cox, M. M. Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry. W.H. Freeman; 7th edition
(2017). (Pages 131-138)

END.