Theory — Strong Acid vs Strong Base Titration
A strong monoprotic acid (source of H⁺) reacts quantitatively with a strong base (source of OH⁻):
H⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq) → H₂O(l)
Key relations
Stoichiometric moles. Moles of H⁺ and OH⁻ added.
\[
\begin{aligned}
n_{\mathrm{H^+}} &= C_a \cdot V_a \\
n_{\mathrm{OH^-}} &= C_b \cdot V_b
\end{aligned}
\]
Total volume. Dilution changes concentration:
\[
V_{\text{tot}} = V_a + V_b.
\]
Equivalence & halfway volumes. Set reacted moles equal and halve:
\[
\begin{aligned}
V_{\mathrm{eq}} &= \frac{C_a V_a}{C_b}, \\
V_{\mathrm{half}} &= \frac{V_{\mathrm{eq}}}{2}.
\end{aligned}
\]
pH in each region
Before equivalence (excess H⁺). Compute residual H⁺ and pH:
\[
\begin{aligned}
[\mathrm{H^+}] &= \frac{n_{\mathrm{H^+}} - n_{\mathrm{OH^-}}}{V_{\text{tot}}}, \\
\mathrm{pH} &= -\log_{10}([\mathrm{H^+}]).
\end{aligned}
\]
At equivalence. Mixture is neutral (at 25 °C):
\[
\mathrm{pH} = 7.00.
\]
After equivalence (excess OH⁻). Compute residual OH⁻, then pH:
\[
\begin{aligned}
[\mathrm{OH^-}] &= \frac{n_{\mathrm{OH^-}} - n_{\mathrm{H^+}}}{V_{\text{tot}}}, \\
\mathrm{pOH} &= -\log_{10}([\mathrm{OH^-}]), \\
\mathrm{pH} &= 14 - \mathrm{pOH}.
\end{aligned}
\]
Notes
- Formulas assume 25 °C and ideal strong electrolytes; water autoionization is negligible compared to strong acid/base near the titration range.
- The “halfway” pH here is not pKₐ (that identity applies to weak-acid/strong-base titrations).
- The plotted curve highlights 1 mL before/after equivalence to show the sharp pH jump typical of strong/strong titrations.