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9 October, 21:30

Enter your answer in the provided box. The pH of a bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer is 5.41. Calculate the ratio of the concentration of carbonic acid (H2CO3) to that of the bicarbonate ion (HCO3-). (Ka1 of carbonic acid is 4.2 * 10-7.)

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  1. 9 October, 21:37
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    9.332 = [H₂CO₃] / [HCO₃⁻]

    Explanation:

    It is possible to find the ratio of carbonic acid:bicarbonate ion using Henderson-Hasselbalch formula:

    pH = pka + log₁₀ [HCO₃⁻] / [H₂CO₃]

    If pH of the solution is 5.41 and pKa of the solution is - logKa = 6.38.

    Replacing:

    5.41 = 6.38 + log₁₀ [HCO₃⁻] / [H₂CO₃]

    -0.97 = log₁₀ [HCO₃⁻] / [H₂CO₃]

    0.107 = [HCO₃⁻] / [H₂CO₃]

    This is the ratio of bicarbonate ion:carbonic acid, now, the ratio of carbonic acid:bicarbonate ion is:

    1 / 0.107 = 9.332 = [H₂CO₃] / [HCO₃⁻]
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