UNIVERSITY OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY (UMaT)

TARKWA

SCHOOL OF PETROLEUM STUDIES

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL AND PETROCHEMICAL ENGINEERING

A REPORT ON pH AND BUFFER SOLUTIONS

BY

BOADI DERRICK KWEKU

SPE.41.017.031.22

CH273

GROUP 5

FEBRUARY 22,2024

CHEMISTRY LABORATORY PRACTICES

COURSE LECTURER; Dr. JOHANNES AMI

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Acids and bases play crucial roles in our daily lives, from the tangy acidity of fruits like oranges
and apples to the cleaning power of household ammonia. The fundamental principles governing
their behavior were elucidated by Johannes Bronsted and Thomas Lowry in 1923, giving rise to
the Bronsted-Lowry theory. According to this framework, acids are substances capable of
donating protons, while bases are substances capable of accepting protons.

In this experiment, we delve into the dynamic interplay between acids, bases, and the crucial
concept of pH. The pH scale, ranging from 0 to 14, quantifies the acidity or alkalinity of a
solution. A pH of 7 denotes neutrality, with lower values indicating acidity and higher values
indicating alkalinity.

Central to our investigation is the equilibrium between hydronium ions (H 3O+) and chloride ions
(Cl-) in the reaction between hydrogen chloride (HCl) and water. This equilibrium exemplifies
the reversible nature of acid-base reactions, where HCl serves as an acid by donating a proton to
water, forming hydronium and chloride ions.

However, the equilibrium lies predominantly to the right, with the vast majority of HCl
molecules dissociating into ions. This raises the question: why do hydronium ions exhibit a
reluctance to donate protons back to chloride ions, thereby reforming HCl? The answer lies in
the concept of acid and base strength, which varies among different substances.

In our exploration, we aim to not only quantify the pH of various solutions but also to investigate
the role of buffers in maintaining pH stability. Buffer solutions play a vital role in biological
systems and industrial processes by resisting drastic changes in pH, thereby ensuring optimal
conditions for chemical reactions and biological processes.
By gaining a deeper understanding of pH and buffer solutions, we can appreciate their
significance in diverse contexts, from chemistry laboratories to everyday applications. Through
meticulous experimentation and analysis, we aim to unravel the intricacies of acid-base
equilibria and pave the way for further advancements in chemical science.

The experiment aims to determine the pH measurement of buffer solutions and demonstrate
buffer system operations. It involves using various chemicals such as hydrochloric acid, acetic
acid, sodium acetate, carbonic acid, aqueous ammonia, NaHCO3, and sodium hydroxide. Buffer
systems were created and titrated with NaOH and HCl to assess buffer capacity, defined as the
amount of H and OH neutralized before significant pH changes occur. Two acidic buffer
solutions were prepared using 0.1 M acetic acid and different masses of sodium acetate. The
Henderson-Hasselbalch equation guided the determination of the conjugate base amount for each
buffer system. Four buffer systems were prepared, with Buffer B exhibiting closer pH to the
target and higher buffer capacity compared to Buffer A. Buffer effectiveness is noted when the
pKa of the conjugate weak acid aligns with the desired pH, and a closer ratio of conjugate base
to weak acid enhances buffering capacity. Increasing the ratio of conjugate base to weak acid
augments buffering capacity.

Buffers, composed of weak acids or bases paired with their conjugates, maintain pH stability by
resisting changes when small amounts of strong acids or bases are added. This mechanism is
exemplified in acidic buffers like acetic acid and sodium acetate. Acetic acid and its conjugate
base, acetate, react to neutralize added acid or base ions, keeping pH nearly constant. When an
acid is added, acetate removes hydrogen ions, preventing pH decrease. Conversely, when a base
is added, acetic acid neutralizes hydroxide ions, maintaining pH stability. This resistance to pH
change upon addition of base is termed reserve acidity, ensuring minimal pH fluctuations in
buffer solutions.
CHAPTER TWO

PURPOSE OF THE EXPERIMENT

The purpose of this experiment is to demonstrate the operation of buffer system and also

determine among the solution who is best in resist changes in pH.

MATERIALS AND APPARATUS

 pH paper
 wash bottles
 10ml beakers

CHEMICALS USED

 0.1M HCL
 0.1M acetic acid (CH3COOH)
 0.1M sodium acetate (CH3COONa)
 0.1M NaOH
 0.1M carbonic acid
 0.1M NH3
 0.1M NaHCO3
CHAPTER THREE

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

 The appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) was worn. This includes safety
goggles to protect the eyes from splashes or spills of chemicals, as well as gloves to
prevent skin contact with potentially corrosive or harmful substances.
 We worked in a well-ventilated laboratory to ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the
buildup of fumes or vapors from chemicals, especially when working with volatile or
corrosive substances.
 We handled chemicals with care. We Followed proper procedures for handling, storing,
and disposing of chemicals. We were well aware of the properties and hazards of each
chemical used in the experiment, and handle them accordingly.
 We used appropriate equipment and ensure that glassware and equipment are clean and in
good condition before use. We used designated containers for mixing, storing, and
disposing of chemicals.
CHAPTER FOUR
PROCEDURE
The experiment was conducted using seven chemicals, each with a concentration of 0.1
M: sodium acetate (CH3COONa), carbonic acid, aqueous ammonia (NH3(aq)), sodium
hydroxide (NaOH), hydrochloric acid (HCl), acetic acid (CH3COOH), and sodium
bicarbonate (NaHCO3). Five milliliters of each solution were transferred into beakers
using a dropper. A 2 cm strip of universal pH paper was dipped into each solution to
determine their pH values by comparing the color change with a pH color chart.

The pH values of the solutions were recorded as follows: HCl exhibited an orange color
and a pH of 3, CH3COOH showed a curry color and a pH of 5, CH 3COONa displayed a
light green color and a pH of 6, club soda had a curry color and a pH of 5, NH 3(aq) had a
blue color and a pH of 14, NaOH showed a violet color and a pH of 14, and NaHCO 3 had
a deep green color and a pH of 8.

Next, buffer A was prepared by mixing 5 mL each of acetic acid and sodium acetate
solution. Buffer A was divided into two parts, labeled A1 and A2. To A1, 0.5 mL of 0.1
M HCl was added, resulting in a curry color and a pH of 7. To A2, 0.5 mL of 0.1 M
NaOH was added, resulting in the same color and pH as A1.

For buffer B, 5 mL each of acetic acid and 10 mL sodium acetate solution were mixed.
Buffer B was divided into two parts, labeled B1 and B2, both showing a color change to
curry and a pH of 5. When 0.5 mL of 0.1 M HCl was added to B1 and 0.5 mL of NaOH
to B2, the results remained the same.

Buffer C was prepared by mixing 5 mL of 0.1 M carbonic acid with 5 mL of sodium

bicarbonate. The resulting pH was 7, indicated by a green color change. Buffer C was
divided into C1 and C2, and upon adding 0.5 mL of 0.1 M HCl to C1 and 0.5 mL of
NaOH
to C2, the pH remained at 7 with a green color.
Finally, buffer D was created by combining 5 mL each of 0.1 M carbonic acid and
sodium bicarbonate. Buffer D showed a pH of 7 with a green color change. When divided
into D1 and D2 and treated with 0.5 mL of HCl and NaOH respectively, D1 maintained a
pH of 7 with a green color, while D2 showed a pH of 8 with a deep green color change.
CHAPTER FIVE

DATA

Table1.0

SOLUTION COLOR pH
5ml of HCL Orange 3
5ml of CH3COOH Curry 5
5ml of CH3COONa Dark green 8
5ml of carbonic acid Lime green 6
5ml of NH3(aq) Dark blue 14
5ml of NaOH Violet 14

Table1.1

BUFFER SYSTEM COLOR pH

A 0.5ml of acetic acid + 5ml of sodium acetate Yellow 5
B 1ml of acetate acid + 10ml of sodium acetate Pale blue 5
C 5ml of carbonic acid + 5ml of sodium bicarbonate Green 8
D 1ml of carbonic acid + 10ml of sodium bicarbonate Turquoise 8

Table1.2

BUFFER SYSTEM + ACID pH

A1 + 0.5ml of 0.1M HCL 5
B1 + 0.5ml of 0.1M HCL 5
C1 + 0.5ml of 0.1M HCL 7
D1 + 0.5ml of 0.1M HCL 7
Table1.3

BUFFER SYSTEM + BASE pH

A2 + 0.5ml of 0.1M NaOH 5
B2 + 0.5ml of 0.1M NaOH 5
C2 + 0.5ml of 0.1M NaOH 10
D2 + 0.5ml of 0.1M NaOH 9
CHAPTER SIX

CALCULATIONS

PREPARATION OF CHEMICALS USED

Molar weight of sodium acetate = 136.08g/mol

Molar weight of sodium bicarbonate = 84.01g/mol

100mls each of;