Chemical Forums

Chemistry Forums for Students => High School Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: mrflow3r on December 10, 2005, 07:47:12 PM

Title: Why do titration curves have abrupt change of pH?
Post by: mrflow3r on December 10, 2005, 07:47:12 PM

Hello there, I was just wondering why do all the titration curves have such a steep slope around it's equavalence point.

Please don't tell me it's just the way it is like it does in my textbook!

Thank you!

Title: Re:Why do titration curves have abrupt change of pH?
Post by: Mitch on December 10, 2005, 08:11:20 PM

Whats on the x and y axis?

Title: Re:Why do titration curves have abrupt change of pH?
Post by: buckminsterfullerene on December 10, 2005, 08:18:25 PM

i think it has something to do with the fact that there would be the same number of base molecules and acid molecules in an aqueous solution.  it would be like in a pan balance, once you add too much to one side it will be uneven, and it usually takes a great deal of accuracy to get it centered right.  the same would happen with an acid-base titration, when you try to get to a pH of 7 you are trying to have the same number of basic molecules to the same number of acidic molecules.  

i think that i am right, though not 100% certain i also had some confusion some time ago around this matter.

Title: Re:Why do titration curves have abrupt change of pH?
Post by: mrflow3r on December 11, 2005, 04:53:56 PM

Thx!

Title: Re:Why do titration curves have abrupt change of pH?
Post by: Donaldson Tan on December 18, 2005, 12:52:04 PM

don't forget that the y-axis is a logarithmic scale.