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Describe the differences between the pH of different acid-base equilibria.

The pH of acid-base equilibria varies depending on the strength and concentration of the acid or base.

The pH of an acid-base equilibrium is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the solution. Strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), completely dissociate in water, resulting in a high concentration of H+ ions and a low pH. Weak acids, such as acetic acid (CH3COOH), only partially dissociate, resulting in a lower concentration of H+ ions and a higher pH.

Similarly, strong bases, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), completely dissociate in water, resulting in a high concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) and a high pH. Weak bases, such as ammonia (NH3), only partially dissociate, resulting in a lower concentration of OH- ions and a lower pH.

The pH of a buffer solution, which is a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid, is relatively stable and resists changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. This is because the weak acid or base can neutralize the added H+ or OH- ions, respectively, without significantly changing the pH.

In summary, the pH of acid-base equilibria varies depending on the strength and concentration of the acid or base, with strong acids and bases resulting in low and high pH values, respectively, and weak acids and bases resulting in higher and lower pH values, respectively. Buffer solutions have a relatively stable pH due to the presence of a weak acid or base and its conjugate.

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