Acid–Base Equilibria: Ka, pH Calculations and Buffer Solutions
Students will define acids and bases, understand the pH scale, and perform simple pH measurements.
Key Questions
- Calculate the pH of a weak acid solution from its Ka and initial concentration, justifying the validity of the approximation [HA] ≈ [HA]₀ and identifying when it breaks down.
- Derive the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation from the Ka expression and use it to calculate the pH of a buffer solution, then evaluate how buffer capacity changes as the acid-to-salt ratio deviates from 1:1.
- Analyse the titration curve for a weak acid–strong base system, identifying the equivalence point, half-equivalence point, and buffer region, and justify the appropriate choice of indicator using pKa data.
MOE Syllabus Outcomes
Suggested Methodologies
Ready to teach this topic?
Generate a complete, classroom-ready active learning mission in seconds.
Planning templates for Chemistry
More in Reaction Kinetics: Rate Equations, Rate Constants and Equilibrium
Factors Affecting Reaction Rates
Students will investigate how concentration, temperature, surface area, and catalysts influence reaction speed.
2 methodologies
Rate Equations, Order of Reaction and the Arrhenius Equation
Students will explore how particles need to collide with sufficient energy for a reaction to occur, linking this to reaction speed.
2 methodologies
Chemical Equilibrium: Kc, Kp and Quantitative Applications
Students will be introduced to the concept of reversible reactions and understand that equilibrium is a dynamic state where forward and reverse reactions occur at equal rates.
2 methodologies
Quantitative Equilibrium Calculations and Le Chatelier's Principle
Students will learn how changes in conditions (concentration, temperature, pressure) can affect the position of equilibrium in a reversible reaction.
2 methodologies