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The Chemical Educator
ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)
Abstract Volume 28
(2023) pp 48-51
Exploring Acid-Base Chemistry of Aqueous Salt Solutions
Ali Bazzi*, Judith Bazzi, Nour Jomaa, Hannan Nasser
University of Michigan-Dearborn, Department of Natural Sciences, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, Michigan, USA 48128-1491, abazz@umich.edu
Received May 19, 2022. Accepted February 24, 2023.
Published: 24 March 2023
Abstract. Acid-base chemistry has a prominent role in the general chemistry curriculum and is one of the most challenging topics for general chemistry students. In this paper, we report on a laboratory experiment where students explore the acid-base properties of aqueous salt solutions. Students prepare seven aqueous salt solutions, measure the pH of each, and interpret the pH of each solution based on the hydrolysis reactions of the cations and anions present. Using the measured pH values, the students determine the hydrolysis constants of the various cations and anions and convert them to their respective pK’s. To ascertain the quality of their data, the students compare their results with the known pK values. The students also compare their average measured pH values to the theoretical pH values that they calculated. The students’ results from four general chemistry laboratory sections are presented and discussed.
Key Words: Laboratories and Demonstrations; general chemistry, hydrolysis, acid-base chemistry, dissociation constants, aqueous salt solutions
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