Henderson Hasselbalch Equation quiz #1 Flashcards
Henderson Hasselbalch Equation quiz #1
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What is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and why is it important in biochemistry?
The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is pH = pKa + log([conjugate base]/[conjugate acid]). It is important in biochemistry because it allows calculation of the pH of weak acid solutions, which is essential since most biological acids are weak and do not fully dissociate. How does the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation relate pH, pKa, and the concentrations of conjugate base and acid?
The equation shows that pH equals the pKa of the acid plus the logarithm of the ratio of the concentration of conjugate base to conjugate acid, directly linking these variables. Why is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation not typically used for strong acids?
The equation is not used for strong acids because they completely dissociate, making the calculation of pH straightforward without needing to consider equilibrium between acid and conjugate base. In what two main scenarios is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation commonly applied?
It is used to calculate the final pH of a weak acid solution at equilibrium and to determine the ratio of conjugate base to conjugate acid when the pH is known. What is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation used for in biochemistry?
It is used to calculate the pH of weak acid solutions, which is important because most biological acids are weak and do not fully dissociate. How is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation mathematically expressed?
The equation is pH = pKa + log([conjugate base]/[conjugate acid]). Why is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation not typically used for strong acids?
Strong acids completely dissociate, so their pH can be calculated directly from their initial concentration without considering equilibrium. What does a smaller pKa value indicate about an acid's strength?
A smaller pKa value indicates a stronger acid, which dissociates more completely in solution. In what two main scenarios is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation commonly applied?
It is used to calculate the final pH of a weak acid solution at equilibrium and to determine the ratio of conjugate base to conjugate acid when the pH is known. What relationship does the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation describe?
It describes the relationship between the pH of a solution, the pKa of the acid, and the ratio of the concentrations of conjugate base to conjugate acid.
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