DEPARTMENT OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING FACULTY OF ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY MALAYA

Lab 11 : Acids, Bases, pH, Hydrolysis, And Buffers

Introduction
In this experiment, we will dealing with acids, bases, pH, hydrolysis process, and also buffer solution. Acid is the solution which will produce H3O+ ions when dissolved in water. While base is the solution which will gives out OH- ions when dissolved in water. This is based on Arrhenius principle. Example :H2O(l) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + OH-(aq) Hydrolysis process is a chemical process where a substance is split into 2 parts by the addition of water molecules. The substance will split into fragments where the parent molecule (or target molecule) will gain a hydrogen ion (H+) from water molecule. The other portion of the molecule will combine with the hydroxyl group (OH-) from the water molecule. pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. The pH ranges are as follow, pH Range 0-6 7 8-14 Nature of Solution Acid Neutral Base/Alkaline Example Hydrochloric acid, HCl Water Sodium hydroxide, NaOH

pH values of the solution can be determine by using pH paper.

The diagram shown is the colour of the pH paper at respectively pH values. pHvalues can also be calculate through this equation : pH = - log [H+] Buffer solution is the solution which contains a weak acid and the salt of weak acid or a weak base mix with the salt of the weak base. Weak acid and salt of weak acid will form an acid buffer. Weak base and salt of weak base will form an alkaline buffer. Different buffer solution has different degree of buffer capacity. Buffer capacity is the ability of the buffer solution to resist the change in pH values of a solution when an acid or a base is added inside. Buffer solution can avoid huge change in pH of solutions by eliminating the presences of H+ ions and OH- ions by forming other product in the solution. For example,

CH3COOH(l) CH3COO-(aq) + H+(aq) CH3COONa(l) CH3COO-(aq) + Na+(aq) Thus, buffer solution act as a medium to remove the pH changes in some solution. The pH of an acidic buffer can be calculated through the following parameter. pH = pKa + log[] pOH = pKb + log[] Note :Ka and Kb are the dissociation constant
[] []

Objective
The objective of this experiment is measuring and determining the pH of the solutions with two methods, which are by using pH meter and pH paper. Acids and bases solution are the two solutions which its pH value will be determined. Then by going through the process of hydrolysis, where the presence of the salts can alter the pH by reacting with water, pH values of buffer solutions can be determined. Finally, we will be able to conclude how buffer solutions can controls the pH of a solution by preventing the pH of a solution from alternating too much.

Materials
a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l. m. 50 ml of 0.1M HCl 25ml of 0.1M H3BO3 100ml of 0.1M NH3(aq) 25ml of 0.1M NaOH 25ml of 0.1M Na2CO3 25ml of 0.1M (NH4)2SO4 25ml of 0.1M NaCl Household hand soap (liquid form) 25ml of 0.1M Na2C2H3O2 25ml of 0.1M HC2H3O2 1.0M HCl 1.0M NaOH Deionized water

Apparatus
a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. l. 50ml beakers 100ml beakers 250 ml beakers Pipette Stirring rod Glass plate pH paper pH meter Heating device Gloves and mask Mass balance Measuring cylinder

Procedure
Before we do the experiments, there are few things we need to know and need to be done. First thing is the pH meter must be calibrated before we can use it. The electrode of the pH meter is very fragile, therefore it must be handle carefully. Before attempting to measure the pH values of solutions, the electrode must first rinsed with distilled water (deionized water). By doing this, we can prevent the contamination of that particular solutions. If the solution is contaminated, its pH values will be slightly different and thus it will affect the results that we need for the experiments. Besides that, never move the electrode from one solution to another solution without rinse the electrode with distilled water first. This is because can prevent the contamination of the solutions from happening. During the moment the electrodes are not in use, it must be keep moist by keeping it in a buffer solution. For example, calibration buffer solution with pH 4.0. In the situation where the pH paper is used, the pH paper should be put on a clean glass plate. Then by using one end of a clean stirring rod, one drop of the solution can be place on the pH paper. Observed the color changed and compare it with the color chart on the paper vial. The stirring rod must clean with deionized water before contact with next solution. A) Measuring the pH of common acids and bases 1. By using a clean pipette, 25ml of each solution is been taken and put inside separate, clean and dry beakers. After that, use the pH meter to measure each solution and record their particular pH value. The electrode of the pH meter must be rinsed with distilled water before moving to the next solution. All the pH values obtained must be recorded at the Report Sheet. a. 0.1M HCl b. 0.1M H3BO3 c. 0.1M NH3(aq) d. 0.1M NaOH 2. After using the pH meter to measure the pH value of each solution, pH paper will be used to determine another set of values of pH values of the solutions. The values must be recorded in the Result Sheet also. 3. With the values obtained, the pH scale can be consult to determine the approximate hydroxonium ion, H+ molarity of each of the solutions that had been measured. A pH of 4.0 would indicate a hydroxonium ion, H+ concentration of 1X10-4M. A pH of 5.0 would indicate a hydroxonium ion, H+ concentration of 1X10-5M. A pH of 4.6 would indicate a hydroxonium ion, H+ concentration between 1X10-4M and 1X10-5. B) Measuring the pH of the salt solutions 1. A total of 25ml of the following substances is pour into separate, clean, and dry beakers. Each pH values of the solutions are measured using the pH meter. The pH values of each solution are observed and recorded. a. 0.1M Na2CO3 b. 0.1M (NH4)2SO4 c. 0.1M NaCl

C) Measuring the pH of some common household chemicals. 1. In this part of experiment, hand soaps are being used. Since the chemical is in liquid form, thus 10 drops of the hand soaps is being taken by using a dropper. The hand soaps are place into a dry and clean beaker. 2. By using a clean stirring rod, one droplet of the hand soaps is obtained using one end of the solution and then dropped a droplet of the hand soap on one piece of pH meter. 3. The result is compare with the color chart to obtain its pH value. 4. The value is being recorded into the Result Sheet. D) Buffer solution 1. 25.00mlof 0.1M Sodium acetate, Na2C2H3O2 solution is placed into a clean 100ml beaker using a clean and dry pipette.By using a different clean and dry pipette, 25.00ml of 0.1M acetic acid, HC2H3O2, is collected and place into the same beaker in step 1.A stirring rod is used to mix and stir the solutions. The solution formed is called a buffer solution.The initial pH values of the buffer solution is observed and recorded. 5 drops of HCl are added drop by drop to the buffer solution.When each drops of HCl is placed, the pH values of the buffer solution must be determined before second drop of the HCl is place inside that beaker.Several seconds are needed for the displayed pH value on the pH meter to stabilize. The values are recorded. 2. After all the 5 readings are taken, 5 drops of 1.0M NaOH solution is added to the buffer solution to compensate for the 5 drops of HCl solutions. The solution must be stirred well to make sure that the mixture is mix thoroughly. The new pH values of the new buffer solution are same or around the initial value of the buffer solution. 3. If the value is far different with the initial values, the instructor must be informed. 4. 5 drops of NaOH are added drop by drop to the buffer solution when each drops of NaOH is placed, the pH values of the buffer solution must be determined before second drop of the NaOH is place inside that beaker.Several seconds are needed for the displayed pH value on the pH meter to stabilize. The values are recorded. 5. The buffer solution is being discarded in the right way. Instructor will show the correct way to dispose chemicals in safety. 6. After that, 25ml of freshly boiled distilled water is being used and added to an empty, clean, and dry 100ml of beaker instead of buffer solution. The initial pH values of the freshly boiled distilled water is being measured using the pH meter and is recorded.5 drops of the 1.0M of HCl solution are being added to the freshly boiled distilled water. Before the second drops of the 1.0M of HCl solution is added to the distilled water, the pH values of the distilled water must be taken and recorded.After 5 drops of HCl solution are added and 5 values are taken, the mixture is being disposed in a correct way. 7. Another 25ml of freshly boiled distilled water is being prepared and added to another empty, clean, and dry 100ml of beaker. The initial pH values of the freshly boiled distilled water is being measured using the pH meter and is recorded.5 drops of the 1.0M of NaOH solution are being added to the freshly boiled distilled water. Before the second drops of the 1.0M of NaOH solution is added to the distilled water, the pH values of the distilled water must be taken and recorded.After 5 drops of NaOH solution are added and 5 values are taken, that mixture is being disposed in a correct way.

Results
A) Measuring the pH of common acids and bases Solution 0.1M HCl 0.1M H3BO3 0.1M NH3(aq) 0.1M NaOH Calculations for [H+] pH = - log [H+] For 0.1M HCl, 0.82 = - log [H+] [H+] = 0.15M For 0.1M H3BO3, 5.81 = - log [H+] [H+] = 1.55X10-6M For 0.1M NH3(aq) 10.53 = - log [H+] [H+] = 2.95X10-11M For 0.1M NaOH 11.09 = - log [H+] [H+] = 8.13X10-12M Values of pH meter 0.82 5.81 10.53 11.09 Values from pH paper 0 6 11 12 [H+]/ M 0.15 1.55X10-6 2.95X10-11 8.13X10-12

B) Measuring the pH of the salt solutions Solution 0.1M Na2CO3 0.1M (NH4)2SO4 0.1M NaCl Values of pH meter 10.33 5.67 6.52 Values from pH paper 11 5 5

C) Measuring the pH of some common household chemicals The pH value of the hand soaps is 6.0. (The pH value is obtained by using the method of pH paper)

D)

Buffer solution Solution Drops Buffer solution + 1.0M HCl Buffer solution + 1.0M NaOH Boiled distilled water + 1.0M HCl Boiled distilled water + 1.0M NaOH 0 3.44 3.39 4.52 5.38 pH values per drops of solution 1 3.41 3.40 1.98 10.67 2 3.39 3.41 1.72 10.98 3 3.38 3.42 1.49 11.11 4 3.36 3.43 1.41 11.22 5 3.33 3.44 1.34 11.29

Discussion
(a) Questions 1. In experiment part D(1) and D(6), hydrochloric acid was added one drop at a time to a buffer solution and to deionized water. Compare the changes in pH observed with each drop of acid added to the buffer and to the deionized water. Did the buffer minimize the changes in pH with each addition compared to water? If it did, explain in general terms how the buffer was able to do it. Answer : During the moment where 1.0M HCl is added to the buffer solution drops by drops, the pH values of the buffer solution do not undergoes huge change. Its pH values are slighty decrease. The decrease ranges are within 0.01 to 0.03. The initial value of the buffer solution is 3.44, this values then decrease to 3.41 when first drop of 1.0M HCl is added. After that, it further decreased to 3.39, 3.38, 3.36, and 3.33 when 1.0M HCl are added drop by drop to the buffer solution. This happen because the buffer can minimize the change of pH values when acids are added to it. The mechanisms why the buffer can help to minimize the changes are as follow.

In the buffer solution, there are 0.1M Acetic acid, HC2H3O2 and 0.1M Sodium acetate, Na2C2H3O2 solution. Thus, HC2H3O2(l) H+(aq) + C2H3O2- (aq) Na2C2H3O2(l) 2Na+(aq) + C2H3O2-(aq) Note : the dissociation of the acetic acid is reversible. This is because acetic acid is a weak acid. When the 1.0M HClsolution are added, it will produce hydroxonium,H+ ions. The H+ ions will reacted with the C2H3O2- ions in order to form HC2H3O2. H+(aq) + C2H3O2- (aq) HC2H3O2(l) Thus, the pH values wont undergoes huge change because most of the amount of H+ions are being removed by forming Na2C2H3O2. Therefore, the pH values can say to be maintained at that particular range of pH values without undergoes any huge changes. While during the moment where 1.0M HCl is added to the freshly boiled deionized water drops by drops, the pH values of thefreshly boiled deionized water undergoes huge change. Its pH values are greatly decreased. The initial pH value is 4.52, it is then decrease to 1.98 when first drop of 1.0M HCl is added. After that, it further decreased to 1.72, 1.49, 1.41, and 1.34 when 1.0M HCl are added drop by drop to the deionized water. This happen because there are no ions of weak acids and ions of the conjugate base of the weak acid present in the solution. In other words, the solution are said to be have no any buffer capacity therefore it cant overcome pH changed. The H+ions from the 1.0M HCl solution will increase the amount of H+ions thus increase the acidity of the deionized water. 2. In experiment part D(5) and D(7), sodium hydroxide was added one drop at a time to a buffer solution and to deionized water. Compare the changes in pH observed with each drop of base added to the buffer and to the deionized water. Did the buffer minimize changes in pH with each addition compared to water? If it did, explain in general terms how the buffer was able to do it. Answer : During the moment where 1.0M NaOH is added to the buffer solution drops by drops, the pH values of the buffer solution do not undergoes huge change. Its pH values are slighty increase. The initial value of the buffer solution is 3.39, this values then increase to 3.40 when first drop of 1.0M NaOH is added. After that, it further decreased to 3.41, 3.42, 3.43, and 3.44 when 1.0M NaOH are added drop by drop to the buffer solution. This happen because the buffer can minimize the change of pH values when bases are added to it. The mechanisms why the buffer can help to minimize the changes are as follow. In the buffer solution, there are 0.1M Acetic acid, HC2H3O2 and 0.1M Sodium acetate, Na2C2H3O2 solution. Thus, HC2H3O2(l) H+(aq) + C2H3O2- (aq) Na2C2H3O2(l) 2Na+(aq) + C2H3O2-(aq)

When the 1.0M NaOH solution is added, it will produce hydroxonium, OH- ions. The OH- ions will reacted with the H+ ions in order to form H2O (aq) and C2H3O2(aq) ions. OH- + HC2H3O2(l) H2O (aq) + C2H3O2- (aq) Thus, the pH values will not undergo huge change because most of the amounts of OH- ions are being removed by forming H2O (aq) and C2H3O2- (aq) ions.Therefore, the pH values can say to be maintained at that particular range of pH values without undergoes any huge changes. While during the moment where 1.0M NaOH solution is added to the freshly boiled deionized water drops by drops, the pH values of thefreshly boiled deionized water undergoes huge change. Its pH values are greatly increased. The initial pH value is 5.38, it is then increase to 10.67 when first drop of 1.0M NaOH is added. After that, it further increased to 10.98, 11.11, 11.22, and 11.29 when 1.0M NaOH are added drop by drop to the deionized water. This happen because there are no ions of weak acids and ions of the conjugate base of the weak acid present in the solution. In other words, the solution are said to be have no any buffer capacity therefore it cant overcome pH changed. The OH-ions from the 1.0M NaOH solution will increase the amount of OH-ions thus increase the basicity of the deionized water.

3. Why can the pH of freshly boiled deionized water slowly become more acidic when left exposed toatmosphere. Answer : When the freshly boiled deionized water is left exposed to the atmosphere, its pH values will slowly decrease. This mean the freshly boiled deionized water are slowly becomes more acidic. Its acidity increase because of the water will react with the carbon dioxide, CO2to form a dilute solution of carbonic acid. H2O(l) + CO2(g) H2CO3(aq) Thus, the freshly boiled deionized water will slowly turn to more acidic. (b) Precautions 1. When using the pH meter, it must be calibrate before test the solution in order to get more accurate result during the experiments. 2. The electrode of pH meter must be kept moist when not in use. For example it can be keep in calibration buffer solution. 3. When using the pH paper, avoid immersed the whole pH paper into the solution. The pH paper must be prevented from exposed to atmosphere for too long as it will oxidized and its color will change. 4. When handling strong acids and bases, gloves and mask should be wear and must be handle with carefully as these solution are highly corrosive. 5. The temperature of surrounding should be taken into consideration as temperature change will affect the pH values.

Conclusion
As conclusion, the main objective of this experiment is achieved as the method of using pH paper and pH meter are learned. Besides, hydrolysis process is learnt as well. Buffer solution can be used to prevent a sudden change in pH of solutions. Buffer solution plays an important role in process like neutralization.

References
1. Lim YS, Yip KH. Physical Chemistry. Pearson Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. 2006 2. Campbell M.K., Farrell S.O. Biochemistry. 6th Edition. Brooks/Cole. USA. 2008 3. Tan Yin Toon, LohWaiLeng&KathirasanMuniandy (2008). Ace Ahead Chemistry Vol. 1 STPM Text, Oxford FajarSdn. Bhd.