MCAT General Chemistry Question 142: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 142

7. Question below refer to the titration curve of acid X shown below:

What is the approximate value of pKa1?

  • A. 1.9
  • B. 2.9
  • C. 3.8
  • D. 4.1

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

The first pKa in this curve can be estimated by eye. It is located halfway between the starting point (when no base had yet been added) and the first equivalence point (the first steep portion of the graph, around 15 mL). This point is at approximately 7-8 mL on the x-axis, which corresponds to a pH of approximately 1.9. Notice that this region experiences very little change in pH, which is the defining characteristic of a buffer region.

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