Chemistry: The Molecular Science (5th Edition)

Published by Cengage Learning
ISBN 10: 1285199049
ISBN 13: 978-1-28519-904-7

Chapter 15 - Additional Aqueous Equilibria - Questions for Review and Thought - Topical Questions - Page 693a: 18a

Answer

Lactic acid and lactate ion are capable of making a buffer with $4.5 \times 10^{-3}M$ of $[H_3O^+]$. This happens because the Ka value for lactic acid is close to this hydronium ion concentration value.

Work Step by Step

1. Analyze the $[H_3O^+](4.5 \times 10^{-3}M)$, and find the conjugate acid-base pair with the closest $K_a$ value. - Use Table 15−1 on page 659. - Lactic acid and lactate ion: Ka = $1.4 \times 10^{-4}$ Therefore, this is the best pair that can be used to make a buffer with hydronium ion concentration equal to $4.5 \times 10^{-3}$
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