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
FELIX YEBOAH
SPE41.014.114.21
CLASS: RP II

COURSE NAME: CHEMISTRY LABORATORY PRACTICES

COURSE CODE: RP 273

COURSE LECTURER: AMI JOHANNES

MARCH 2023
Abstract

A buffer is a solution that helps keep the pH of other solutions at a steady level with
the addition of limited acids or bases. The purpose of this experiment was prepare two
buffer solutions (CH3COOH+CH3COONa and H2CO3+NaHCO3 ) and the pH
determine by dipping a pH paper into the buffer solutions. The buffering action was
demonstrated by either adding an acid or base to the buffer and recording the new
pH.The four buffers were tested by adding 0.5mL of 0.1M NaOH and 0.5ml of 0.1M
HCL.The results found that acetate remained a buffer after addition of NaOH.
However, addition of HCL caused a dramatic pH drop because the proton (H+ ) from
the acid neutralise the conjugate base to neutral water molecules forming H3O+ which
raised the concentration of the solution.

Graphical abstract

In the graph shown, it depicts how the buffer helps to keep the pH levels steady for as
long as it can, but when too much base is added, the buffer will reach its capacity and
the excess base will cause the pH to rise quickly, while an addition of excess acid will
cause the pH to drop quickly.

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 Content

Abstract ....................................................................................... 1
Graphical abstract .........................................................................1

Introduction ................................................................................ 3
Theory Involved ........................................................................... 3
Aims and Objectives of experiment .............................................4
Apparatus/Materials: .................................................................... 4
Chemicals used for experiment: ...................................................4
Precautions taken during the experiment; ....................................4
Preparation of chemicals used calculation ...................................5

Procedures ...................................................................................7
Results from experiment .............................................................. 9
Preparation of buffer solutions calculation ................................10

Discussion ..................................................................................12
Sources of errors ........................................................................ 13
Ways of improving the experiment ........................................... 13

Conclusion .................................................................................14

References ................................................................................. 15

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Introduction

In the real world, pH levels are important in the function of many life processes. For
instance, the average human body’s average pH level is approximately 7.4, and if
there are any changes to that pH at all, no matter how small it may be, one would
eventually get sick and die, since the human body is not meant to handle such a large
fluctuation of pH levels. These pH levels are the measurement of Hydronium ions
(H3O+) in a solution and are measured on a pH scale going from 0 to 14, with 7 being
neutral, anything less than 7 would be considered acidic, and anything greater than 7
would be considered basic. One might wonder how a person’s pH levels do not
change so easily, and the answer is because of a solution is known as a buffer. The
main function of buffers is to help keep pH levels steady when a certain amount of
acids or bases are introduced in a solution. Once a buffer has reached its limit, the
solution will exponentially increase or decrease, depending on if a base or an acid
were used, respectively. . Buffers are made from weak acids or bases paired with their
conjugate bases or acids, and weak acids and bases are used because they do not
disassociate fully in a solution and the hydrogen or hydroxide (OH–) ions will mostly
stay connected to the other molecules, unlike strong acids or bases that will
completely dissociate into either the hydrogen or hydroxide ions.

In this experiment the pH of solutions were accurately measured using pH indicator

strips. And also buffer solutions were created and the effects of adding acid and base
to each solution was tested.

Theory Involved

One way to determine the pH of a buffer is by using the Henderson–Hasselbalch

equation, which is pH = pKₐ + log([A⁻]/[HA]). In this equation, [HA] and [A⁻] refer to
the equilibrium concentrations of the conjugate acid–base pair used to create the
buffer solution. When [HA] = [A⁻], the solution pH is equal to the pKₐ of the acid.

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Aims and Objectives of experiment

The main objective of this experiment is to prepare different pH buffer solutions with a weak
conjugate acidbase pair, and determine the pH of the solutions.Mix the pH buffer solutions with
hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide in order to understand how buffers resist changes in pH
upon the addition of acid and base solutions.

Apparatus/Materials:

pH paper, Kim-wipes, Wash bottles, 10mL beakers

Chemicals used for experiment:

0.1 M HCL,

0.1 M acetic acid (CH3COOH),

150.1 M sodium acetate (CH3COONa),

0.1 M carbonic acid or club soda or seltzer,

0.1 M NaHCO3

0.1 M NH3 (aq) (aqueous ammonia),

0.1 M NaOH (Sodium hydroxide)

Precautions taken during the experiment;

1.Lab coats, safety glasses, and enclosed footwear must be worn at all times in the
laboratory.
2.Use only the standard colour chart supplied with the pH paper for assessing the pH.
3.Wash the test tube and other glass apparatus thoroughly with distilled water before use
4.Keep the pH strips away from chemical fumes.
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Preparation of chemicals used calculation

The tables below shows the percentage purities, molecular weights, densities, volume,

concentrations and pH of chemical compounds involved in the experiment and the pH

of their resulting buffers.

TABLE 1.0

Solution Percentage Purity ％ Molecular weight Density g/L

g/mol
CH3COOH 99.8 60.05 1.18
NH3 35 34.50 1.18
HCL 37 36.46 1.18

������������������ ���������� ��������

VReq × % Strenght =
�������

Where VReq is the required volume of solution to prepare 0.1M

concentration in 0.25mL of distilled water.

VReq (CH3COOH) = 0.1×60.05×0.25

99.8 ×1.18
=1.3m L

0.1×34.50×0.25
VReq (NH3)= 35×1.18
= 2.1mL

0.1×36.46×0.25
VReq (HCl) = = 2.1mL
37×1.18

Table 1.1
Compound Molecular weight (g/mol)
NaOH 40
NaHCO3 84.01
CH3COONa 136.08

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Calculations for the required mass of solid components of compounds to be dissolved to prepare a
standard solutions of the compounds in table 1.1 above is as follows,

Mass = concentration × molecular weight × volume

Mass(NaOH) = 0.1M × 40g/mol×0.25mL=1g

This implies that 1g of solid NaOH will be dissolved in 0.25L to prepare

30.1M NaOH

Mass(NaHCO3) = 0.1M × 84.01g/mol×0.25mL =2.1g

Similarly 2.1g of solid NaHCO3 will be dissolved in 0.25L to prepare

0.1M NaHCO

Mass(CH3COONa) = 0.1M × 136.08g/mol×0.25mL=3.402g

Also, 3.402g of solid CH3COONa will be dissolved in 0.25L to prepare 0.1M CH3COONa.

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Procedures:

1. 5mL of 0.1M HCl was poured into a 10mL beaker. A 2-cm long universal pH
paper was dipped into the solution.The paper was removed from the solution and the
colour compared with the colour chart .The obtained pH recorded on the report sheet.

2. The same procedure was repeated with 0.1M acetic acid, 0.1M sodium acetate,
0.1M carbonic acid (or club soda or seltzer), 0.1M sodium bicarbonate, 0.1M
ammonia, and 0.1M NaOH. For each solution, a different cleaned dry beaker was
used. The results recorded on the Report Sheet.

3. 5mL of 0.1M acetic acid was added to a dry and clean 10-mL beaker. A 2 cm long
universal pH paper was dipped into the solution and the result recorded.

4. The same procedures were repeated with 0.1M sodium acetate, 0.1M carbonic acid,
0.1M bicarbonate, and 0.1M ammonia. For each solution a dry and clean beaker was
used. The data obtained recorded on the Report Sheet.

5. Four buffer systems in four separate labels were prepared in dry and clean 50-mL
beakers, as follows:

a. 5 mL 0.1M acetic acid 5 mL 0.1M sodium acetate

b. 1 mL 0.1M acetic acid 10 mL 0.1M sodium acetate

c. 5 mL 0.1M carbonic acid 5 mL 0.1M sodium bicarbonate

d. 1 mL 0.1M carbonic acid 10 mL 0.1M sodium bicarbonate

The pH of each buffer system with the aid of universal pH paper was measured. The
data obtained recorded on the Report Sheet.

6. Each of the four buffers was divided into two halves (5mL each) and placed into
clean and dry 10-mL beakers.

For the first sample of buffer (a), 0.5 mL was added to, 0.1M HCl.The pH of the
mixture was measured with the aid of universal pH paper and data recorded on the
Report Sheet.

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For the second sample of buffer (a) 0.5 mL was added to 0.1M NaOH. .The pH of the
mixture was measured with the aid of universal pH paper and data recorded on the
Report Sheet.

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Results from experiment

Table 1.2
Solutions Concentration Volume Observed pH paper
(M) used colour reading
(ml)
Hydrochloric acid 0.1 5 Orange 3
(HCl)
Acetic acid 0.1 5 Curry 5
(CH3COOH)
Sodium 0.1 5 Light green 6
acetate (CH3COONa)
Carbonic acid (H2CO3) 0.1 5 Light green 6

Sodium 0.1 5 Deep Green 8

bicarbonate (NaHCO3)
Ammonia(NH3) 0.1 5 Blue 12

Sodium hydroxide 0.1 5 Violet 14

(NaOH)

Table 1.3

Buffer solutions Calculated Observed pH

pH colour reading

A 5ml of 0.1M acetic acid +5ml of 0.1M 4.7 curry 5

sodium acetate

B 5ml of 0.1M acetic acid +10ml of 0.1M 4.7 curry 5

sodium acetate

C 5ml of 0.1M carbonic acid +5ml of 6.4 green 7

0.1M sodium bicarbonate

D 5ml of 0.1M carbonic acid +10ml of 6.4 green 7

0.1M sodium bicarbonate

1st Buffer solution(5ml CH3COONa+ 5ml CH3COOH) pH=5

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Split into two halves A1 and A2 5ml each
Table 1.4
Buffer System pH
A1+0.5ml of 0.1M HCL 5
A2 +O.5ml of 0.1M NaOH 5

2nd Buffer solution (10mlCH3COONa +1ml CH3COOH)pH=5

Split into two halves B1 and B2 5ml each
Table 1.5
Buffer System pH
B1+0.5ml of 0.1M HCL 5
B2 +O.5ml of 0.1M NaOH 5

3rd Buffer solution (5ml Carbonic acid +5ml Sodium bicarbonate) pH=7
Split into two halves C1 and C2 5ml each
Table 1.6
Buffer System pH
C1+0.5ml of 0.1M HCL 7
C2 +O.5ml of 0.1M NaOH 10

4th Buffer solution(1ml H2CO3 +10ml NaHCO3)pH=7

Split into two halves D1 and D2 5ml each
Table 1.7
Buffer System pH
D1+0.5ml of 0.1M HCL 7
D2 +O.5ml of 0.1M NaOH 7

Preparation of buffer solutions calculation

Acetic acid, ��3 ����, Ka = 1.8x10−5

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Carbonic aid,�2 ��3 , Ka = 4.4x10−7
Buffer solution(Sodium Acetate and acetic acid)
Calculating for the pH of Acetate;
-
HC2H3O2 ⇌ �+ +C2H3O2

-
NaC2H3O2→Na+ +C2H3O2

-
HC2H3O2 ⇌ �+ +C2H3O2

I 1M 0 1M
C -x +x +x
F 1-x x 1+x
�(1+�)
Ka=1.8×10-5 = (1−�) x≈0

�(1+0)
=1.8×10-5 = (1−0)

X=1.8×10-5mol/L

pH = -log (1.8x10−5 ) = 4.745

Buffer solution(Sodium bicarbonate and carbonic acid)
Calculating for the pH of carbonic acid
�2 ��3 → HC�−
3 +�
+

pH = -log (4.4x10−7 ) = 6.357.

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Discussion

A buffer solution can maintain its approximate pH when an acid or a base is added to
it because it can react with both acids and bases. If a strong acid (H3O+) is added, the
basic component of the buffer (A– ) can react with it, and if a strong base (OH– ) is
added, the acidic component of the buffer (HA) will react with it.
H3O+ (aq) + A– (aq) ⎯ → HA (aq) + H2O (l)
OH– (aq) + HA (aq) ⎯ → H2O (l) + A– (aq)
Buffer solutions are most effective when both components, the conjugate acid and the
conjugate base, are present in reasonably large concentrations. If this is the case, the
buffer is said to have a high buffer capacity. Also, a buffer is most effective when
there are approximately equal concentrations of the two buffer components (a ratio of
[X–]/[HX] close to 1/1) because in this case the solution will guard against large pH
changes equally well whether acid is added or base is added.

From table 1.2 the addition of sodium acetate to aqueous solution of acetic acid
suppress the dissociation of CH3COOH due to the common ion (CH3COO-) effect.
The[H+] decreases raising the pH of the acid solution.

Also carbonic acid (H2CO3) and sodium bicarbonate buffer has the hydronium ion
from the carbonic acid and the bicarbonate anion (HCO3-) in equilibrium making the
solution neutralise.

From table 1.4 and table 1.5 due to the equal concentration of the two buffer
components (0.1M CH3COOH and 0.1M NaC2H3O2) the buffer solution will guard
against pH changes equally well whether acid (HCL) is added or base(NaOH) is
added. When HCl (strong acid ) is added to this buffer system,the extra H+ ions added

to the system are consumed by the CH3COO- to form CH3COOH. Now, because all
the extra H+ ions are locked up and have formed a weaker acid,CH3COOH,thus the
pH of the system does not change significantly. Similarly ,when NaOH (strong base)
is added to this buffer system, the CH3COOH donates a proton (H+) to the base to
(NaOH) to form CH3COONa and water thus neutralising the base without any
significant pH change.

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Also from table 1.6 and 1.7. When HCl is added to the buffer system
(H2CO3+NaHCO3 ), the extra H+ ions added to the system are consumed by the
HCO3- to form H2CO3 . Now, because all the extra H+ ions are locked up and have
formed a weaker acid,H2CO3,thus the pH of the system does not change significantly.
Similarly ,when NaOH (strong base) is added to this buffer system, the H2CO3
donates a proton (H+) to the base to (NaOH) to form NaHCO3 and water thus
neutralising the base without any significant pH change.This buffer system is often
known as the buffer of the blood.

Sources of errors

Some sources of errors in the experiment include,

i.Keeping buffers in unclean containers which may affect the pH of the
chemical compounds
ii.Not measuring the right volume of chemicals to be used in the preparation of
the buffers. .
iii.Avoid using eyedropper to transfer chemicals in to buffers, this may affect the
accuracy of the pH values (use pipette or beaker).

Ways of improving the experiment

i.One way to improve the experiment is to label all buffers produced accurately
in order not to mistake one buffer for another.
ii.The beaker used to contain the buffers should be washed and cleaned with a
kimwipes. This is to avoid mixing other buffers with the disposed content
which may affect the pH of the buffer to be tested.

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Conclusion

The pH of a buffer solution does change when large amounts of strong acid or strong
base are added to it. Addition of strong acid uses up the conjugate base of the buffer,
and addition of strong base uses up the conjugate acid. The pH of the buffer changes
because the ratio of conjugate acid to conjugate base has been changed.

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References

Cell Biology by A. A. Parsons and H.C. Schapiro, McGraw-Hill, 1975.

Dr. Johannes Ami (2021),Chemistry Lab Manual, University of mines and

Technology,Tarkwa,1st edition, (16-17)pp.

Science Lab.com. Chemicals & Laboratory Equipment. Material Safety Data Sheet.
Sodium acetate anhydrous MSDS. Retrieved on March 25, 2016.

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