COMMON ION EFFECT AND BUFFERS

ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS

1. Account for the differences in color of Solutions 1, 2, 3, and 4, after adding the
appropriate virtual indicators. Explain in terms of the pKa’s of phenolphthalein and
methyl orange.
The first batch of solutions received two different types of indicators namely, methyl
orange for the acidic solutions and phenolphthalein for the basic solution. In the solutions with
methyl orange, solution 1(acetic acid) turned to a light red colored solution, while solution 2
(acetic acid with acetate) turned yellow. These results follow through with the pkA of methyl
orange (3.4). Methyl orange turns the solution to red at 3.1<pH<4.4 and turns it yellow at pH
>44. For the solutions with phenolphthalein with pkA 9.4 and entails a color range of light
pink to red at a pH of 8.3 and higher, the solution 3 (ammonia) turned dark pink while
solution 4 (ammonia and ammonium) light pink.

2. Compare the different methods of determining pH: visual indicators, pH meter, and
calculations. Compare the accuracy of the three methods.
There are different methods used in determining the pH in an experiment. They can be
done through calculations, a pH meter, and as well as visual indicators. When doing the
calculations method, this computes for the theoretical or the ideal making this method the
most accurate. However, this method does not take into account the errors as well as
inaccuracies during the solution preparation and the apparatus used. The using of a pH meter,
on the other hand, puts it closer to the actual value. Although there can be certain inaccuracies
due to how old and wear of these machines through. The least accurate of the methods are
visual indicators. This is subjective in manner and entails a very weak estimate of the pH
because not every pH level has its own unique color in indicators.

3. What are the possible sources of errors and their effect on the calculated
parameters? Rationalize.
There can be errors in the solution preparation itself and can therefore be the main
source of the errors in the calculated parameters. Sources of these errors can be from the
apparatus used which have a very limited tolerance level. This restricts the volume as well as
weights measured from the apparatus for it compels rounding off the results from the
calculations. This can result to the actual being different from the assumed molarity. The
calculations also involve logarithms, therefore making a few decimal changes that can
significantly affect the results.