write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction that would occur ewhen a base is added to a solution containing H2PO4-/HPO4^2- buffer system
can you please help we write this balanced equation.
thank you
Bases react with acids. The acid in an H2PO4/HPO4 buffer is the H2PO4^-.
So H2PO4^- + OH^- ==> HPO4^2- + H2O
To write the balanced chemical equation for the reaction that occurs when a base is added to a solution containing the H2PO4-/HPO4^2- buffer system, you need to first determine the specific base being added.
Assuming a strong base, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), is being added, the reaction can be represented by the following balanced equation:
H2PO4- + OH- → HPO4^2- + H2O
Let's explain how to derive this equation step by step:
1. Start by identifying the components of the buffer system:
H2PO4- is the conjugate acid of HPO4^2-. The acid dissociation reaction is as follows:
H2PO4- ⇌ H+ + HPO4^2-
2. When a base (OH-) is added to the solution, it reacts with the acid (H2PO4-) to form water (H2O) and the corresponding conjugate base (HPO4^2-).
H2PO4- + OH- → HPO4^2- + H2O
3. Lastly, ensure that the equation is balanced. In this case, both sides have one phosphorus (P) atom, four oxygen (O) atoms, and six hydrogen (H) atoms. The equation is balanced.
Note that if you were using a different base, the reaction may slightly differ, but the general concept remains the same.