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UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist

Chemist

  • 3 descriptive papers
  • 200 marks each
  • 3 h per paper

Mains Paper I covers inorganic chemistry.

UPSC Combined Geo-Scientist, Mains · 2025 · Mains Paper I

Q3(a). pH at the equivalence points of H₃PO₄ with KOH

Question

50 mL of 0.1 M phosphoric (V) acid is being titrated with 0.1 M potassium hydroxide solution at 25 °C. Calculate the pH values at (i) the first equivalence point, (ii) the second equivalence point, and also at (iii) the third equivalence point. Draw the titration curve. Suggest suitable indicator(s) in each stage of this titration. [Given: K₁ = primary dissociation constant of phosphoric (V) acid = 7.5 × 10⁻³; K₂ = secondary dissociation constant = 6.2 × 10⁻⁸; K₃ = tertiary dissociation constant = 5.0 × 10⁻¹³; ionic product of water at 25 °C = 1.1 × 10⁻¹⁴]

Answer in brief

(i) pH = 4.67, (ii) pH = 9.75, (iii) pH = 12.13; indicators: bromocresol green (or methyl orange) for I, thymolphthalein (or phenolphthalein) for II, none for III.

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The full model answer

As written for the answer booklet: the diagram carries the working, the lines stay short. Read here only; it is not offered as a download.

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Coversphosphoric acid titrationpolyprotic acidequivalence point pHtitration curveamphiproticindicator choice

All parts of Question 3