MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #2261

In an acidic buffer, the concentration of the weak acid and its conjugate salt are made equal. What is the resulting pH?

MDCAT Chemistry MCQ #2261

  1. Question 1

    Q1. In an acidic buffer, the concentration of the weak acid and its conjugate salt are made equal. What is the resulting pH?

    • A) The pH will always be 7.0
    • B) The pH will be equal to the pKb of the base
    • C) The pH will be equal to the pKa of the acid
    • D) The pH will be independent of the pKa

    Answer: The pH will be equal to the pKa of the acid

    Explanation: pH = pKa + log([Salt]/[Acid]); if concentrations are equal, pH = pKa. Option A is wrong because pH isn't always 7.