You are on page 1of 2

Year 12 Chemistry The Acidic Environment

pH Curves
As a volumetric analysis occurs, the pH of the aliquot solution will slowly change as the burette solution is added. This
will manifest itself as a gradual change in pH as the reaction slowly occurs, followed by a rapid change (signified by a
steep section on the pH curve) to the opposite side of the pH spectrum.
Based on the combination, an educated guess can be made on the starting pH and ending pH.
General combinations
Aliquot Solution

Burette Solution

Starting pH

Ending pH

Strong Acid
Weak Acid
Strong Acid
Weak Acid

Strong Base
Weak Base
Weak Base
Strong Base

1-3
4-7
1-3
4-7

11-14
7-10
7-10
11-14

Equivalence
Point pH
7
7
4-6
8-10

Note: DO NOT take these numbers at face value. Have an idea of the general range for what you expect to see. As pH
is based on concentration, it is entirely possible to have a weak acid with a lower pH than a strong acid. The above
numbers assume equal concentration for all the samples so pH of the weak acid is higher than that of the strong acid.
If the base is in the aliquot solution, simply reverse the order of numbers.

Cases In-depth
Weak Acid + Strong Base
1. Initial pH is higher than that of strong acids (assuming equal
concentration)
2. Sharp increase in pH as base is added
3. Buffering action of weak acid slows the pH change, but as the
base volume increases, it reaches a point where it overcomes
the buffer action.
4. At the equivalence point, the weak acid + strong base
reaction produces an alkaline salt. Hence the equivalence
point is above 7.
Strong Base + Weak Acid
1. Initial pH is very high due to it being a strong base
2. As acid as added, pH gradually decreases
3. At the equivalence point, an alkaline salt is produced. Hence
pH is above 7
4. As more acid is added, the weak acid forms a buffer system
which minimizes further change in pH for comparable
volumes.

Year 12 Chemistry The Acidic Environment


Weak Base + Strong Acid
1. pH starts at below 14 due to it being a weak base
2. As acid as added, the pH falls rapidly.
3. pH plateaus out due to a buffer solution being established. As
more acid is added, the
4. At equivalence point, an acidic salt is produced so the pH is
below 7.
5. As more acid is added the pH falls

Strong Acid + Weak Base


1. pH starts at close to 1 due it being a strong acid.
2. As base is added, the pH slow changes before reaching the
equivalence point, where pH is below 7.
3. After the equivalence point, a gradual change in pH is seen due
to a buffer solution being formed with the weak base. This buffer
again minimizes change in pH assuming comparable volumes.

Weak Base + Weak Acid


1. pH starts higher than normal due to it being a weak acid.
2. As base is added, the pH rises to a pH slightly above 7.
3. The equivalence point is hard to determine due to the lack of a
steep section, though pH of the equivalence point will be 7. Due
to this, titrating with two weak substances is avoided.

Strong Base + Strong Acid and Strong Acid + Strong Base

You might also like