To Study The pH of Weak Acid and Weak Base - Common Ion Effect

With the addition of soluble compounds in the solution having a common ion with precipitate, the ionic precipitate solubility decreases. This is the concept of the common ion effect. In other terms, we refer to the shift in equilibrium due to the introduction of common ions in a solution is the common ion effect.

This effect is seen with the ionization of weak acid and weak base, which is also reversible. The reactions involve the formation of the precipitate, with the addition of chemicals having the same ions, is common with residue. You’ll understand ph change by common ion in case of weak acids and weak bases experiment with examples.

The pH of Weak Acid and Weak Base

The weak acid and weak base study is experimental-based observation and an important concept that deals with forming a salt precipitate. We will understand this concept in detail with examples:

Let us take one weak acid and one weak base as HA and BOH, respectively. 

HA is H+ and A^-

BOH is B+ and OH^-

CH₃COOH + H₂O ⇋ CH₃COO^- + H₃O⁺

CH₃COONa → CH₃COO^- + Na⁺

In the first reaction above, H+ ions concentration increases. Thus reaction takes a reverse change and shifts equilibrium to the left-hand side. The second reaction states the shift in equilibrium.

CH3COOH is a weak acetic acid, and NH4OH is Ammonium hydroxide, a weak base. 

The reaction depicts the shift is equilibrium with a decrease in H3O+ ions, and the pH of the entire solution increases.

Weak bases get partially dissociated. Thus ammonium hydroxide dissociates partially, and when we add Ammonium chloride to it, the concentration of NH4+ ions increases. The shift in equilibrium is noted in the below reaction:

NH₄OH ⇋ NH₄⁺ + OH^-

NH₄Cl → NH₄⁺ + Cl^-

Let us learn more about weak acid and weak base reaction.

Experiment on the pH of Weak Acid and Weak Base

Aim:

To study pH change by common ion in case of weak acids and weak bases experiment.

Things Required:

You’ll require pH paper, test tubes, glass rod, Test tube stand, sodium acetate, acetic acid, ammonium chloride, and ammonium hydroxide for the experiment. 

The Change in pH Level of a Solution for Weak Acid with Common Ion Effect:

• The first step is to note the pH value of 10 ml acetic acid in a test tube.

• To get the exact pH value, compare the shade with the standard pH chart.

• With the help of a glass rod, mix 1g of sodium acetate with acetic acid in a test tube.

• Now note down the final pH value considering the standard pH chart as a reference.

• Now again, add 1g of sodium acetate to the solution and note down the solution’s pH value.

• Repeat the experiment and keep noting your observations for the same.

Your Observations

The noticed changes show the solution’s pH value increases with the addition of common ions to weak acid.

The Change in pH Level of a Solution for Weak Base with Common Ion

• In a test tube, add 10 ml of ammonium hydroxide, note down its pH value using pH paper, and consider the standard pH chart as a reference.

• Now keep adding 1.5g of ammonium chloride in the test tube using a glass rod and keep mixing.

• Take pH paper and note down pH value considering the pH chart as a reference.

• Again add 1.5g of ammonium chloride to the test tube and mix well.

• Note down the pH value of the final solution noting the pH chart as a reference.

• Repeat the experiment and note down the final pH value in the observation table.

Your Observations

Change in pH of a weak base with the addition of conjugate acid is noted in the table below:

Experimental Precautions to be Taken:

• Be careful while noting your observations after matching them with the standard pH chart.

• Keep noting your observations simultaneously.