[Borek]

pH = 10.26

That's OK. Could be you have accidentally used correct equation, but 10.26 it is.

[Lisa_G]

thanks for that, i calculated for kb2 as well and i got pH 5.63 using the same method, is it suppose to be below or above 7

[Borek]

You can't calculate effects of the second dissociation step the same way. However, second dissociation constant is so low, you can safely ignore it.

More on pH calculation here:

http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=pH-calculation&right=toc

and specific information about calculation of multiprotic acid pH:

http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=pH-calculation&right=pH-polyprotic-simplified

(note that for base you just replace Ka with Kb and H⁺ with OH^-).

[Lisa_G]

thanks for that information, very helpful

i got this question
a buffer solution contains equal volumes of H₃PO₄ (0.5M) and its conj base H₂PO₄^- (0.45M)
Acid dissociation constant Ka = 7.5 x10 ^-3

What is the pH

Because the volumes are equal i used the henderson hasslebach equation and got

pH = (-log 7.5 x10^-3) + log 0.45
                                                         0.5          pH = 2.08

is that right ?

and the 2nd question i got is

10 cm3 of 0.05M H3O+ is added to 1dm3 of the solution above. what is the new pH ?

i got

H3O+ moles = 10
                      1000    x 0.05 = 5x10^-4

AFter addition of H3O+ (in 1dm3) H₃PO₄ = 0.5 - 5x10^-4 = 0.50 moles

[H₃PO₄] = 1000
                                                 1010        x 0.50 = 0.50M

H₂PO₄^- = 0.45 + 5x10^-4 = 0.45 moles

[H₂PO₄^-] = 1000
                                                                  1010        x 0.45 = 0.46M

pH = (- log 7.5 x10-3) + log 0.46
                                          0.50

pH = 2.08

is the method i used correct

[Borek]

2.08 twice is OK, but your calculations are hard to follow. Better write it like pH=2.12-log(0.45/0.5), it is much more obvious what you are doing.

0.5 - 5x10^-4 = 0.50 is not true. You should never round down intermediate results.

[Lisa_G]

yeh i listened to what you said, i got 2.08 and 2.07, thanks for all your help, i really appreciate it