How do you derive the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation?

Sourav PanApril 24, 2025

Answered

The derivation starts from the expression of the acid dissociation constant (Ka) for a weak acid (HA): Ka = [H⁺][A⁻]/[HA]. Taking the negative logarithm of both sides: -log Ka = -log([H⁺][A⁻]/[HA]). This simplifies to: pKa = pH – log([A⁻]/[HA]). Rearranging gives the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation: pH = pKa + log([A⁻]/[HA]).

Did this page help you?

Start Asking Questions Cancel reply

Quiz Leaderboard

1st

Meenakshi

Score: 100%

Questions: 20

2nd

Debabrata

Score: 100%

Questions: 20

3rd

BandzzzzTheONESIMELANE

Score: 95%

Questions: 20

4th

Sourav

Score: 90%

Questions: 20

5th

Nischal

Score: 90%

Questions: 10

6th

Priyanka

Score: 90%

Questions: 10

7th

OTLOTLENG

Score: 70%

Questions: 10

8th

Martin

Score: 65%

Questions: 20

9th

Meenakshi

Score: 60%

Questions: 50

10th

Meenakshi

Score: 60%

Questions: 50

Click "Create Mock Test" to start a quiz.
Select categories and the number of questions, then click "Submit" to begin.
After completing the quiz, enter your name and email, then click "Submit" to view your score.
Your score is shown as a percentage (e.g., 5 correct out of 10 is 50%).
The leaderboard displays your name, score percentage, and total questions answered.

Click here to Create Mock Test