Chapter 35: Problem 13

Discuss the titration curves for the neutralisation of (a) a weak acid with a strong base (b) a strong acid with a weak base

Short Answer

Expert verified

The titration curve for a weak acid with a strong base starts low on the pH scale and increases slowly, then rises sharply at the inflection point, then levels off again. The titration curve for a strong acid with a weak base starts high on the pH scale, decreases slowly, then drops sharply at the inflection point and levels off again. The inflection point represents the equivalence point, where the acid has been neutralized by the base.

Step by step solution

Understand Titration of a Weak Acid with a Strong Base

Firstly, consider a weak acid titrated with a strong base. At the start of the titration the pH starts off low, increasing slowly as the base is added until an inflection point is reached where the pH rises drastically. Following this point, the pH again increases slowly.

Sketch the Titration Curve for a Weak Acid and Strong Base

To represent what's described in step 1. On the y-axis, label 'pH'. On the x-axis label 'Volume of base added'. The curve should start low, rise slowly, have a drastic slope in the middle, then again increase slowly after the inflection point.

Understand Titration of a Strong Acid with a Weak Base

Now, consider a strong acid titrated with a weak base. The pH starts high and decreases as the base is added, slowing at the inflection point where the pH drops drastically. Then, it decreases slowly again.

Sketch the Titration Curve for a Strong Acid and Weak Base

To demonstrate what's described in step 3, sketch a curve on a graph labeled as in step 2. This curve will start off high, decrease slowly, drop drastically at the inflection point, then again decrease slowly.

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Discuss the titration curves for the neutralisation of (a) a weak acid with a strong base (b) a strong acid with a weak base

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand Titration of a Weak Acid with a Strong Base

Sketch the Titration Curve for a Weak Acid and Strong Base

Understand Titration of a Strong Acid with a Weak Base

Sketch the Titration Curve for a Strong Acid and Weak Base

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