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Citrate Phosphate Buffer Equation:
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The Citrate Phosphate Buffer equation is based on the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and calculates the pH of a buffer solution containing citrate and phosphate ions. This equation is particularly useful in biochemical and pharmaceutical applications where precise pH control is essential.
The calculator uses the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation relates the pH of a buffer solution to the pKa of the acid and the ratio of the concentrations of the conjugate base to the acid.
Details: Accurate pH calculation is crucial for maintaining optimal conditions in biological systems, chemical reactions, and pharmaceutical formulations where pH stability is critical for function and stability.
Tips: Enter the pKa value, citrate concentration in molarity (M), and phosphate concentration in molarity (M). All concentrations must be positive values.
Q1: What is the typical pKa value for citrate phosphate buffer?
A: The pKa value depends on the specific buffer system and temperature, but commonly used values range between 6.0-7.2 for biological applications.
Q2: Can this calculator be used for other buffer systems?
A: While the equation is general, this calculator is specifically designed for citrate phosphate buffer systems. Other buffers may require different pKa values and considerations.
Q3: What are the limitations of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation?
A: The equation assumes ideal behavior and may be less accurate at extreme pH values, high ionic strengths, or when the concentrations of buffer components are very low.
Q4: How does temperature affect the calculation?
A: Temperature can affect both the pKa value and the activity coefficients. For precise work, pKa values should be adjusted for the working temperature.
Q5: What units should be used for concentration inputs?
A: Concentrations should be entered in molarity (M - moles per liter) for both citrate and phosphate components.