AP Chemistry · Topic 8.9

Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation Practice

Part of Acids and Bases.(SAP-10.C)

Practice questions

11

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Sample questions

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  1. Sample 1difficulty 2/5

    A buffer with [HA] = [A⁻] has pH equal to

    • A

      7

    • B

      0

    • C

      pKa

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    • D

      pKw

    Why

    log(1) = 0 → pH = pKa.

  2. Sample 2difficulty 3/5

    An NH₃/NH₄⁺ buffer is desired at pH 9.00. Kb(NH₃) = 1.8×10⁻⁵; Ka(NH₄⁺) = 5.6×10⁻¹⁰.

    Target pH = 9.00 pKa(NH₄⁺) = 9.25 Find [NH₃]/[NH₄⁺]

    What ratio [NH₃]/[NH₄⁺] is needed?

    • A

      1.00

    • B

      1.80

    • C

      0.25

    • D

      0.56

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    Why

    pH = pKa + log([NH₃]/[NH₄⁺]). 9.00 = 9.25 + log(r), log r = -0.25, r = 0.56.

  3. Sample 3difficulty 3/5

    pH % A- pH = pKa pH = pKa+1

    At pH = pKa + 1, what is the ratio [A-]/[HA]?

    • A

      1

    • B

      10

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    • C

      0.1

    • D

      100

    Why

    pH - pKa = log([A-]/[HA]) = 1, so [A-]/[HA] = 10^1 = 10.

  4. Sample 4difficulty 3/5

    Plot of fraction protonated (% HA) vs pH for a weak acid HA.

    pH % HA pKa 50%

    At what pH is HA exactly 50% protonated?

    • A

      pH = pKa

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    • B

      pH = 14 - pKa

    • C

      pH = 7

    • D

      pH = pKa - 1

    Why

    From Henderson-Hasselbalch, when [HA] = [A-] (50% each), log(1) = 0, so pH = pKa.

  5. Sample 5difficulty 3/5

    pH of a buffer is given by

    • A

      pH = pKa − [A⁻]/[HA]

    • B

      pH = pKb + log([A⁻]/[HA])

    • C

      pH = pKa + log([HA]/[A⁻])

    • D

      pH = pKa + log([A⁻]/[HA])

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    Why

    Henderson-Hasselbalch: pH = pKa + log([base]/[acid]).