For the titration of 50. mL of 0.10 M ammonia with 0.10 M HCl, calculate the pH. For ammonia, NH3, Kb

11.12 → pH

Explanation:

This is a titration of a weak base and a strong acid.

In the first step we did not add any acid, so our solution is totally ammonia.

Equation of neutralization is:

NH₃ + HCl → NH₄Cl

Equilibrium for ammonia is:

NH₃ + H₂O ⇄  NH₄⁺  +  OH⁻      Kb = 1.8×10⁻⁵

Initially we have 50 mL . 0.10M = 5 mmoles of ammonia

Our molar concentration is 0.1 M

X amount has reacted.

In the equilibrium we have (0.1 - x) moles of ammonia and we produced x amount of ammonium and hydroxides.

Expression for Kb is : x² / (0.1 - x)  = 1.8×10⁻⁵

As Kb is so small, we can avoid the x to solve a quadratic equation.

1.8×10⁻⁵ = x² / 0.1

1.8×10⁻⁵  .  0.1 = x²

1.8×10⁻⁶ = x²

√1.8×10⁻⁶ = x → 1.34×10⁻³

That's the value for [OH⁻] so:

1×10⁻¹⁴ = [OH⁻] . [H⁺]

1×10⁻¹⁴ / 1.34×10⁻³ = [H⁺] → 7.45×10⁻¹²

- log [H⁺] = pH

- log 7.45×10⁻¹² = 11.12 → pH