Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation Calculator
Estimates the pH of a buffer solution when the Ka numerical value of the acid dissociation constant is known.
Refer to the text below the calculator for more information about the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.
This equation was originally derived in 1908 by Lawrence Joseph Henderson and subsequently, in 1917, Karl Albert Hasselbalch re-expressed the formula in logarithmic terms.
It’s purpose is to help calculate the pH of a solution containing the acid and one of its salts, that is, of a buffer solution.
The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is derived from the definition of the acid dissociation constant:
pH = pKa + log10([A−] / [HA])
Where: pKa = - log10 (Ka)
When the concentrations of the acid and the conjugate base are the same, i.e, when the acid is 50% dissociated, the pH of the solution is equal to the pKa of the acid.
The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is an approximation, with a certain region of validity. Remember that it does not take into account the self-dissociation of water, which becomes increasingly important in dilute solutions.
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About the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation
A simple buffer solution, that in 1908 Lawrence Joseph Henderson created an equation to determine the pH of, consists of a solution of an acid and a salt of the conjugate base of the acid.
One common example would be a buffer solution where the acid may be acetic acid and the salt may be sodium acetate.
The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is derived from the definition of the acid dissociation constant and relates the pH of a solution containing a mixture of the two components to the acid dissociation constant, Ka, and the concentrations of the two components.
pH = pKa + log10([A−] / [HA])
Where: pKa = - log10 (Ka)
When the concentrations of the acid and the conjugate base are the same, i.e, when the acid is 50% dissociated, the pH of the solution is equal to the pKa of the acid.
The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is an approximation, with a certain region of validity.
There are also some assumptions to be made:
- It does not take into account the self-dissociation of water, which becomes increasingly important in dilute solutions. This assumption is not valid with pH values more than about 10. For such instances the mass-balance equation for hydrogen must be extended to take account of the self-ionization of water.
- The acid is monobasic and dissociates according to the equation: HA = H+ + A- where H+ stands for hydrated hydronium ion.
- The salt MA is completely dissociated in solution.
Reference
Henderson LJ. Concerning the relationship between the strength of acids and their capacity to preserve neutrality. Am. J. Physiol. 1908;21 (2): 173–179.
Specialty: Miscellaneous
No. Of Variables: 3
Article By: Denise Nedea
Published On: May 4, 2020 · 12:00 AM
Last Checked: May 4, 2020
Next Review: May 4, 2025