Would the \(\mathrm{pH}\) at the equivalence point of a titration of a weak acid with a strong base be less than, equal to, or greater than 7.0\(?\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The pH at the equivalence point of a titration of a weak acid with a strong base would be greater than 7.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Solution at Equivalence Point during Titrations

During a titration, the equivalence point is the point at which the quantity of titrant added is enough to react completely with the substance being titrated. When titrating a weak acid with a strong base, the strong base ionizes completely while the weak acid only partially ionizes. At the equivalence point, all of the weak acid has reacted with the strong base to produce a salt and water.
02

Determine the Basicity at Equivalence Point

The salt formed in the reaction of a weak acid and a strong base undergoes hydrolysis (a reaction with water), where the anion of the salt reacts with water to form a weak base and a hydronium ion. This leads to an increase in the concentration of hydroxide ions (\( OH^- \)). The excess of \( OH^- \) ions makes the solution basic.
03

Infer the pH at Equivalence Point

A basic solution has a pH greater than 7. Since the solution at the equivalence point is basic due to the reaction of a weak acid with a strong base, the pH at the equivalence point is therefore greater than 7.

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