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A buffer solution contains $100\text{ ml}$ of $0.01\text{ (M) } CH_3COOH$ and $200\text{ ml}$ of $0.02\text{ (M) } CH_3COONa$. $700\text{ ml}$ of water is added subsequently to the buffer solution. The pH before and after dilution are
[given, $pK_a = 4.74$ ; $\log 2 = 0.301$]

This question was previously asked in
WBJEE 2026 Physics and Chemistry Question Paper (24-May-2026)
The correct answer is
5.34, 5.34

Buffer pH Calculation: Before Dilution

To calculate the initial pH of the buffer solution, we use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:

$pH = pK_a + \log\frac{[\text{Conjugate Base}]}{[\text{Acid}]}$

First, calculate the moles of the acid ($CH_3COOH$) and the conjugate base ($CH_3COO^-$ from $CH_3COONa$):

  • Moles of $CH_3COOH$ = Volume $\times$ Molarity = $100\text{ ml} \times \frac{1\text{ L}}{1000\text{ ml}} \times 0.01\text{ mol/L} = 0.001\text{ mol}$
  • Moles of $CH_3COONa$ (source of $CH_3COO^-$) = Volume $\times$ Molarity = $200\text{ ml} \times \frac{1\text{ L}}{1000\text{ ml}} \times 0.02\text{ mol/L} = 0.004\text{ mol}$

Since the volume term cancels out in the ratio within the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, we can use the moles directly:

$pH_{initial} = pK_a + \log\frac{\text{Moles of } CH_3COO^-}{\text{Moles of } CH_3COOH}$

$pH_{initial} = 4.74 + \log\frac{0.004\text{ mol}}{0.001\text{ mol}}$

$pH_{initial} = 4.74 + \log(4)$

Using $\log(4) = \log(2^2) = 2 \log(2) = 2 \times 0.301 = 0.602$:

$pH_{initial} = 4.74 + 0.602 = 5.342$

Buffer pH Calculation: After Dilution

When water is added to a buffer solution, both the acid and its conjugate base are diluted by the same factor. Therefore, the ratio of their concentrations (or moles) remains unchanged.

Initial total volume = $100\text{ ml} + 200\text{ ml} = 300\text{ ml}$.

Water added = $700\text{ ml}$.

Final volume = $300\text{ ml} + 700\text{ ml} = 1000\text{ ml}$.

The moles of $CH_3COOH$ ($0.001\text{ mol}$) and $CH_3COO^-$ ($0.004\text{ mol}$) do not change.

New concentration of $CH_3COOH = \frac{0.001\text{ mol}}{1\text{ L}} = 0.001\text{ M}$

New concentration of $CH_3COO^- = \frac{0.004\text{ mol}}{1\text{ L}} = 0.004\text{ M}$

Applying the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation again:

$pH_{final} = pK_a + \log\frac{[\text{New Conjugate Base}]}{[\text{New Acid}]}$

$pH_{final} = 4.74 + \log\frac{0.004\text{ M}}{0.001\text{ M}}$

$pH_{final} = 4.74 + \log(4)$

$pH_{final} = 4.74 + 0.602 = 5.342$

Thus, the pH before dilution is approximately $5.34$ and the pH after dilution is also approximately $5.34$.

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