In: Chemistry
The system contains 10.0 mL of 0.10 M HLac, 15.0 mL of 0.10 M NaLac and 6.0 mL of 0.20 M NaOH.
Millimols HLac = (10.0 mL)*(0.10 M) = 1.0 mmol
Millimols NaLac = (15.0 mL)*(0.10 M) = 1.5 mmol.
Millimols NaOH = (6.0 mL)*(0.20 M) = 1.2 mmol
Now, HLac is a weak acid and will react with a strong base like NaOH as per the reaction below.
HLac (aq) + NaOH (aq) ----------> NaLac (aq) + H2O (l)
HLac is completely neutralized by NaOH to NaLac.
Millimols NaOH used to neutralize HLac = 1.0 mmol.
Millimols of excess NaOH in the system = (1.2 - 1.0) mmol = 0.2 mmol
The system therefore, contains a weak base, NaLac and a strong base, NaOH. Since excess NaOH is present in the system, hence, the pH of the system will be governed by the excess NaOH.
Total volume of the solution = (10.0 + 15.0 + 6.0) mL = 31.0 mL.
Concentration of excess NaOH in the solution = (0.2 mmol)/(31.0 mL) = 0.00645 M.
The pOH of the solution is given as
pOH = -log [OH-]
= -log (0.00645 M)
= 2.19
It is known that
pH + pOH = 14.00
Therefore,
pH = 14.00 - pOH
= 14.00 - 2.19
= 11.81
≈ 11.8 (ans, correct to 3 sig. figs).