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LABORATORY EXERCISE
pH MEASUREMENT AND
BUFFER PREPARATION

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the experiment, the learners should be able to:
1. Demonstrate how to measure pH of a solution using indicators;
2. Determine the operation of buffer systems;
3. Compare the accuracy of pH meter and pH paper
4. Calculate the pH given the concentration of H+ or concentration of OH-;
5. Predict the acidity or alkalinity from the given concentration

REVIEW
1. pH is a measure of how acidic/basic a solution is. The range goes from 0 to
14.
a. If pH < 7, then the solution is acidic.
b. If pH = 7, then the solution is neutral.
c. If pH > 7, then the solution is basic.
2. The letters pH stand for potential of hydrogen, since pH is a measure of the
hydrogen ion (H+) concentration in an aqueous solution.
3. pH is also expressed as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen-ion
concentration (pH = - log [H+])
4. In contrast, pOH stands for potential of Hydroxide, is a measure of
hydroxide ion (OH–) concentration, and is expressed as the negative
logarithm of the hydroxide-ion concentration (pOH = - log [OH -])
5. The control of pH is important in organism and their cells because chemical
reactions and processes are affected by the hydrogen ion concentration.
6. An acid is a compound that can donate a hydrogen ion.
7. A base is a substance that accepts hydrogen ions.
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BACKGROUND
Chemists have tried to define acids and bases in relation to their compositions and
molecular structures.

1. Svante Arrhenius defines acids as substances that produce H+ ions in

aqueous solution while bases are substances that produce OH- ions in
aqueous solution.
2. G.N. Lewis mentioned that acids are electron-pair acceptors and bases are
electron-pair donor.
However, the two mentioned definitions have limitations. Thus, the most
useful and accepted definition of acids and bases nowadays are those
proposed by Johannes Bronsted and Thomas Lowry, and it is known as the
Bronsted-Lowry theory.
3. Johannes Bronsted and Thomas Lowry defined acids as proton donors
and bases are the proton acceptors. For example, when HCl reacts with
water:

Hydrochloric acid (an aqueous solution) will react with Water (a liquid
solution) in a reversible reaction which will form into hydronium (a
conjugate acid and aqueous) and chloride (a conjugate base and aqueous)

HCl is an acid because it donates a proton making Cl- while water is a base because
it accepts a proton making H3O+. Furthermore, the theory explains that for every
acid-base reaction, there is a creation of conjugate acid-base pair. In the above
example Cl- is the conjugated base of HCl and H3O+ is the conjugated acid of water
as shown below.
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P.L. Sorensen introduced the pH scale that measures the strength of an aqueous
acidic or basic solution. It converts the H+ concentrations to pH using the formula.

pH = - log [H+]

Computation of pH and H+

The pH of a solution is the negative logarithm of the hydrogen-ion concentration.

pH = -log[H+]

For example, compute for the pH of pure water with [H+] = 1.0 × 10 -7 M
(Molarity).
Substituting into the pH expression:

pH = -log[H + ]
= -log[1.0 × 10 -7 ]
= -(-7.00)
pH = 7.00

You Try:
Compute for the pH of solution with [H+] = 2.3 × 10 -5 M
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Solution:
pH = -log[H + ]
= -log[2.3 × 10 -5 ]
pH = 4.64 (Acidic)

You can also compute for the [H+] if pH is known using this formula:

[H+] = 10^-pH
*Use the 10^x key on your calculator

For Example:
What is the [H+] of a solution with a pH of 9.14?

[H+] = 10^-pH
= 10^-9.14
[H+] = 7.24 × 10^-10 M

You Try:
What is the [H+] of a solution with a pH of 5.4?

[H+] = 10^-pH
=10^-5.4
[H+] = 3.98 x 10^-6 M
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Computation of pOH

The pOH of a solution is the negative logarithm of the hydroxide-ion

concentration.

pOH = -log[OH–]
[OH-] = 10^-pOH
*Use the 10^x key on your calculator

Constant: pH + pOH = 14

For Example:

A solution has a pH of 4. Find the pOH and [OH-].

pH + pOH = 14
pOH = 14 - pH
pOH = 14 - 4
pOH = 10

[OH-] = 10^-pOH
= 10^-10
[OH-] =1 x 10^-10 M

You try:
Find the pOH and [OH-] of a solution with a pH of 8.4.

pH + pOH = 14
pOH = 14 - pH
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pOH = 14 – 8.4
pOH = 5.6

[OH-] = 10^-pOH
= 10^-5.6
[OH-] = 2.5 x 10^-6 M

Relationships between hydrogen ion concentration, hydroxide ion concentration,

pH, and pOH.
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Interpretation of Results

If pH > 7 = Basic, <7 = Acidic

If pOH >7 = Acidic, <7 = Basic
7 = Neutral

Buffers prevent changes in pH. Buffers resist changes in the pH even when acids
or bases are added. Buffers are a mixture of a weak acid or alkali and one of its
salts. Ex: acetic acid + sodium acetate.
In our blood, carbonic acid is the most important buffer. This solution maintains
our blood pH (7.35 to 7.45) to facilitate transport of oxygen from the lungs to the
cells. The ability of buffers to resist large changes in pH is governed by the Le
Chatellier's principle-a principle of equilibrium shift due to changes in buffer
conditions.
There are several ways to measure pH, qualitatively and quantitatively.
Litmus Test is a simple test to check if a substance is acidic or basic using a litmus
paper. There are two types of litmus paper available that can be used to identify
acids and bases – red litmus paper and blue litmus paper. Blue litmus paper turns
red for acidic pH. Red litmus paper turns blue for basic pH. No color change for
neutral pH.
The pH meter should be calibrated first before being operating the device. The
standard procedure for calibrating a pH meter is to calibrate it at three different
pHs (pH 7, pH 4, and pH 10). After calibration, all that needs to be done is to
insert the electrodes of the pH meter into the solution to be tested and read the
pH flashed on the screen.
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Indicator paper is impregnated with organic compounds that change their color at
different pH values. The color shown by the paper is then compared with a color
standard usually provided by the manufacturer.
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MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS

A. Measurement of pH

A. Materials & Reagents

pH Meter
pH indicator paper
Beaker
Distilled Water
Tissue

B. Chemicals
Liquid/Mixtures of varying pH

Procedure
1. Watch the following video on pH Measurement:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C1S4Q9MYBk&t=271s&ab_channel=
CEEAErasmus

2. Record the liquid or solutions used

3. Record the pH results from the pH meter for each liquid or solution.
4. Record the pH results from the pH indicator paper for each liquid or
solution.
5. Record your results in the laboratory report.
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B. Buffer Preparation

Materials & Reagents

Distilled Water
Universal Indicator
Buffer (7.00)
1 M HCl
1 M NaOH

Procedure
1. Watch the following video on Buffer Preparation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-R-Cqvb5yo&ab_channel=acr92651

2. Record the reagents used for the experiment.

3. Record the amount of drops it takes before a color reaction occurs in both
liquids/solutions.
4. Record your observations on the color change and the pH it indicates.
5. Record your results in the laboratory report.
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TOTAL SCORE:
LABORATORY REPORT

pH AND BUFFER SOLUTIONS

Name: • Carreon, Akeysha Mae Date: August 24, 2023
• Frane, Hanna Kriscel Group No.:
• Lopez, Jose Manuel
• Pineda, John Cyril
Course, Year & Section: BSMT, 2nd Year-MED224

OBSERVATION AND RESULTS:

A. Measurement of pH
Arrange the solutions in this order: Acidic to Basic, based on pH Meter reading.
Solution pH Meter pH Indicator Paper
Vinegar 2.2 3
Coke 2.5 3
Lemonade 2.7 4
Detergent 7.6 9
Tap Water 7.7 5
Distilled Water 8.0 5

B. Buffer Preparation
Liquid/Solution Initial Color & pH # Drops until # Drops until
Pink Blue
Buffered Green & 7.00 ± 0.02 pH 85 Drops 150 Drops
Unbuffered Green & 7.00 pH 1 Drop 1 Drop
*Initial Color & pH after adding universal indicator
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POST-LAB QUESTIONS

1. Which gives a more accurate pH value, pH meter or pH indicator

paper? Explain.

A pH meter generally provides a more accurate pH value compared

to pH indicator paper. pH meters offer precise measurements with a
numerical readout, often to decimal places, allowing for a more precise
determination of pH, while pH indicator paper provides only a qualitative
estimate of pH based on color changes, which can be less accurate and may
not provide specific pH values. (Reference: Harris, D. C. (2010).
Quantitative Chemical Analysis (8th ed.). W. H. Freeman and Company.)

2. How do you calibrate a pH meter? Explain the importance of

calibration.

To calibrate a pH meter, typically follow these steps:

1. Rinse the pH meter with deionized water.

2. Immerse the pH meter in a pH buffer solution (usually pH 7.0) and
adjust the meter to read the correct pH value by using the calibration
controls.
3. Repeat the process with another buffer solution (usually pH 4.0 or
pH 10.0) to ensure accuracy.

Calibration is crucial as it ensures the accuracy and reliability of pH

measurements. It accounts for any potential drift or changes in the pH
meter's sensitivity over time, ensuring that the instrument provides precise
and trustworthy pH readings for scientific research, quality control, and
various other applications. (Reference: Harris, D. C. (2010). Quantitative
Chemical Analysis (8th ed.). W. H. Freeman and Company.)

3. What is the significance if the solution turned pink or blue after

adding universal indicator?

The significance of a solution turning pink or blue after adding universal

indicator lies in its ability to provide a qualitative assessment of the
solution's pH. When the solution turns pink, it indicates that the solution is
acidic, with a low pH value, while a blue color suggests alkalinity, indicating
a high pH value.
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4. Based on the video experiment, what is the purpose of using a

buffer?

Buffers are solutions that help maintain a relatively constant pH level even
when acids or bases are added to them. They consist of a weak acid and
its corresponding conjugate base (or vice versa) in roughly equal
concentrations. It is important because they help stabilize the pH of a
solution.

5. Solve for the pH of the following and determine whether it is acid

or base.
1. [H+] = 3.2 x 10-6
pH = -log[H+]
= -log(3.2x 10-6)
pH = 5.49 (Acid)

2. [OH-] = 3.2 x 10-3

Constant: pH + pOH = 14
pOH = -log[𝑂𝐻 − ]
= -log(3.2 x 10-3)
pOH = 2.49
pH = 14 - pOH
=14 – 2.49
pH= 11.51 (Base)
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Grading Rubrics:
Criteria Target 4 3 2 1
Correctly tabulated the
name of the solutions
MEASUREMENT used and recorded the
OF PH correct pH for the pH
meter and pH indicator
paper
Correctly tabulated the
liquid/solution, Initial
BUFFER
Color & pH, # Drops
PREPARATION
until Pink, # Drops until
Blue.

POST-LAB Correctly answered the

QUESTIONS post-lab questions

TOTAL SCORE:
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Grading Scale:
Points Definition
4 Advanced
3 Meets Expectations for Target
Partial Mastery of Target. Demonstrates partial
2 understanding, or can perform portions of the target
with assistance
Little or No Mastery. Cannot demonstrate mastery,
1 even with instructor assistance.

REFERENCES

BC, M., Montales, S. R. D., & Berroya, A. C. (2019). Laboratory Manual in

Biochemistry (Third Edition). Books atbp. Publishing, Corp.
Parsons, J. A. (1975). Exercises in cell biology (McGraw-Hill series in cell biology).
McGraw-Hill.
CK12 Intermediate. (2021). The pH Scale | Chemistry for Non-Majors. Lumen
Learning. https://courses.lumenlearning.com/cheminter/chapter/the-ph-
scale/
CK12 Intermediate. (n.d.). The pOH Concept | Chemistry for Non-Majors. Lumen
Learning. Retrieved August 28, 2021, from
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/cheminter/chapter/the-poh-concept/
MESURING THE pH OF DIFFERENT SOLUTIONS. (2017, August 26). YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C1S4Q9MYBk&t=271s&ab_channel
=CEEAErasmus
Buffer Demonstration 2 0 for Avid. (2012, November 11). YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-R-
Cqvb5yo&ab_channel=FlinnScientific