Which of the following mixture gives a buffer solution with pH = 9.25 ?
Q. Which of the following mixture gives a buffer solution with pH = 9.25 ?

Given : pKb (NH4OH) = 4.75
A. 0.5 M NH4OH (0.2 L) + 0.2 M HCl (0.5 L)
B. 0.2 M NH4OH (0.5 L) + 0.1 M HCl (0.5 L)
C. 0.2 M NH4OH (0.4 L) + 0.1 M HCl (1 L)
D. 0.4 M NH4OH (1 L) + 0.1 M HCl (1 L)
Correct Answer: B

Explanation

A basic buffer is formed by a weak base and its conjugate acid (salt). Here, NH4OH is a weak base and NH4Cl is formed after partial neutralization with HCl.

For a basic buffer:

$$ \text{pOH} = \text{p}K_b + \log\frac{[\text{salt}]}{[\text{base}]} $$

Given pH = 9.25

$$ \text{pOH} = 14 - 9.25 = 4.75 $$

Since pKb = 4.75,

$$ 4.75 = 4.75 + \log\frac{[\text{salt}]}{[\text{base}]} $$

$$ \log\frac{[\text{salt}]}{[\text{base}]} = 0 $$

$$ \frac{[\text{salt}]}{[\text{base}]} = 1 $$

So, moles of NH4Cl formed must be equal to moles of NH4OH left after reaction.

Option B:

Moles of NH4OH = 0.2 × 0.5 = 0.10 mol Moles of HCl = 0.1 × 0.5 = 0.05 mol

After reaction:

NH4OH left = 0.10 − 0.05 = 0.05 mol NH4Cl formed = 0.05 mol

Salt : Base = 1 : 1 → required pH = 9.25

Hence, option B is correct.

Related JEE Main Questions

Updated for JEE Main 2026: This PYQ is important for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and other competitive exams. Practice more questions from this chapter.

Scroll to Top