Analytical & Physical Chemistry - Spring 2025
CHEM 212-Section 2
Buffer Solutions
Dr. Omar S. Zaki, Ph.D.
TA:
Dr.Heba Samy
Dr. Dalia Hamza
Dr.Rania Ramadan
Name: Mariam Mohamed Mekawi
ID:202000612
Section:2
Lab Partner: Arwa Elfiqy -Mariam Samady- Mennatallah Nasr- Jana Hany -Doaa
Mohamed -Jana Ashraf
Date of Submission: 3-3-2025
Aim of the Experiment:
The objectives of this experiment are to understand the concept of buffers
and their uses, including their ability to resist changes in pH, and to explore
their applications in biological, chemical, and industrial contexts. Determine
the buffer range, over which a buffer is effective. The experiment will also
involve testing the effect of adding small amounts of strong acid (e.g., HCl)
or strong base (e.g., NaOH) to the buffer to demonstrate its buffering
capacity, as well as testing the effect of diluting the buffer solution with
distilled water to evaluate its stability under dilution.
Theoretical Background:
Buffer solutions are aqueous systems designed to resist changes in pH when
small amounts of acid or base are added. They consist of a weak acid and its
conjugate base (e.g., acetic acid and acetate) or a weak base and its
conjugate acid (e.g., ammonia and ammonium ion). Buffers work by
neutralizing added acids or bases through reversible chemical reactions,
maintaining a relatively constant PH. The effectiveness of a buffer is
determined by its buffer range, is the acid dissociation constant of the weak
acid. Buffers are essential in biological systems (e.g., blood pH regulation),
chemical processes, and laboratory experiments to maintain stable pH
conditions.
The pH of a buffer can be calculated using the Henderson-Hasselbalch
equation: pH=pKa+log [A−]/[HA]
Data Analysis:
Part I: Preparing and testing of Buffer Solutions
A. Preparing buffer solution of ammonium chloride and ammonium
hydroxide (ammonia buffer pH 10.0)
- 5.4 g of ammonium chloride salt, add 35 mL of 10 M ammonia solution
-Measure the pH of the ammonia buffer. (EXPECTED PH =10), Result
(PH=10.39)
B. Preparing buffer solution of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate/
potassium dihydrogen phosphate (phosphate buffer pH 7.0)
-0.1256g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 0.1085g of dipotassium
hydrogen phosphate (EXPECTED PH =7), Result (PH=6.96)
Part II: Factors that Affects Buffer Solutions.
A: the ratio between a weak acid or base and its conjugate base or acid
(the Buffer Range).
-1.0 M sodium acetate and 1.0 M acetic acid with the following ratios (1:1,
1:10, 10:1).
Results: (5.14, 5.327, 6.5) Respectively.
Observations:
1. The 1:1 ratio was more acidic
2. The 1:10 ratio gave a pH close to pKa.
3. The 10:1 ratio was more basic.
B: the effect of adding a small amount of acid or base on a buffer
solution (the buffer capacity)
50 mL of buffer (acetic acid /sodium acetate buffer, ratio 1:1, Add 2, 4, 6, 8,
10, 11, 12, 13 mL of 0.1 M HCl, measure the pH for each addition.
Results: The PH= (4.75, 4.56, 4.38, 4.2, 3.998, 3.89) Respectively.
Observations:
1. The buffer pH change by increasing the volume of acid additions.
C: the effect of diluting a buffer solution
Solution Measured pH before Measured pH after
Diluted acetic acid buffer 5.63 5.63
Observations:
1. The buffer’s pH didn’t change after dilution.
Conclusion:
1. Successful Buffer Preparation: Ammonia and phosphate buffers were
prepared with pH values close to expected levels.
2. Predictable pH Changes: Buffer range experiments confirmed that pH
changes are predictable based on acid/base ratios.
3. Buffer Capacity: Buffers resist pH changes but have a limit when
subjected to strong acids or bases.
4. Stability with Dilution: Buffer pH remains stable under normal
conditions but can change significantly when highly diluted.
Error Assessment:
Possible Systematic errors:
• Problems with pH Meter Calibration: An uncalibrated meter may
provide marginally inaccurate values, Solution: Regularly calibrate
the pH meter using standard buffer solutions (e.g., pH 4, 7, and 10)
before measurements.
• Inaccurate Weighing or Volume Measurements: Errors in weighing
reagents or measuring volumes can lead to incorrect buffer
concentrations, affecting pH and buffering capacity.
• Human Error in Calculations: Mistakes in using the Henderson-
Hasselbalch equation or calculating concentrations can lead to
incorrect buffer preparation.
• Chemical Impurities: Contaminants in reagents or water (e.g.,
dissolved ions or organic compounds) can alter the buffer's properties,
affecting its pH and buffering capacity.
Possible Random Errors:
. Instrumental Noise: Electronic noise from the pH meter and other
laboratory instruments can introduce random fluctuations in
measurements, leading to inconsistencies in recorded values.
. Concentration Fluctuations: Any slight deviation in the
concentrations of the buffer components (acids and bases) can
influence the pH and effectiveness of the buffer. This could occur
during the preparation or because of changes in temperature or
atmospheric CO2 absorption.
Pledge:
My signature at the end of this report is my pledge that this work is my
work, and I have neither given nor received help from other students.
Signature: Mariam Mekawi
