Ka for Phosphate Buffered Saline: 6.2E-8 or 1.59E-7?

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In summary, Ka (acid dissociation constant) is a measure of the strength of an acid in a solution, specifically referring to the equilibrium constant for the dissociation of phosphate ions in phosphate buffered saline. The values 6.2E-8 and 1.59E-7 represent the Ka values for this solution at different temperatures, indicating its weakly acidic nature. The Ka value can be determined experimentally by measuring the concentration of hydrogen and phosphate ions in the solution. It is an important parameter for understanding the behavior of phosphate buffered saline and can be influenced by temperature.
  • #1
wils0645
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Anyone know the Ka for Phosphate Buffered Saline (pH 7.4). I have heard that it is 6.2E-8, but the formula says .008M Na2HPO4, .002M KH2PO4. Using Henderson Haselbalch, [H+] = Ka[KH2PO4]/[Na2HPO4] using pH of 7.4, Ka = 1.59E-7. Which one is correct?
 
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  • #2
pKas - 2.148, 7.199, 12.35. You should take solution ionic strength into account before calculations.
 
  • #3


Both answers are technically correct, as they are simply different ways of expressing the same value. The first answer, 6.2E-8, is the Ka for the overall phosphate buffer solution, while the second answer, 1.59E-7, is the Ka for the specific ratio of KH2PO4 to Na2HPO4 used in the buffer. Both values are valid and can be used in calculations, but the second value may be more accurate when using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.
 

Related to Ka for Phosphate Buffered Saline: 6.2E-8 or 1.59E-7?

1. What is Ka for phosphate buffered saline?

Ka (acid dissociation constant) is a measure of the strength of an acid in a solution. In the case of phosphate buffered saline, it refers to the equilibrium constant for the dissociation of phosphate ions in the solution.

2. What does the value of 6.2E-8 or 1.59E-7 represent?

The values 6.2E-8 or 1.59E-7 represent the Ka values for phosphate buffered saline at different temperatures. They are both very small numbers, indicating that the solution is weakly acidic.

3. How is Ka determined for phosphate buffered saline?

Ka for phosphate buffered saline can be determined experimentally by measuring the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) and phosphate ions (HPO42-) in the solution and using the equilibrium equation to calculate the Ka value.

4. What is the significance of Ka for phosphate buffered saline?

Ka is an important parameter for understanding the behavior of phosphate buffered saline in solution. It can help determine the pH of the solution and how it will interact with other substances, such as proteins or cells.

5. How does temperature affect the Ka value for phosphate buffered saline?

The Ka value for phosphate buffered saline may change with temperature, as shown by the two different values given. This is because temperature can affect the strength of the acid, as well as the dissociation of phosphate ions in the solution.

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