Step 1: Understanding the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.
The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is used to calculate the pH of a buffer solution. It relates the pH of the solution to the pKa of the acid and the ratio of the concentrations of the salt (conjugate base) and acid.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) pH = pKa + log \left[\frac{[salt]{[acid]}\right]:} Correct. This is the correct form of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, where the pH is related to the ratio of salt and acid concentrations.
- (B) pH = pKa - log \left[\frac{[salt]{[acid]}\right]:} Incorrect. This equation has the wrong sign in front of the logarithmic term.
- (C) pH = pKa - log \left[\frac{[acid]{[salt]}\right]:} Incorrect. This equation has the wrong ratio for the salt and acid.
- (D) pH = pKa + log \left[\frac{[acid]{[salt]}\right]:} Incorrect. This equation has the wrong ratio for the acid and salt.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct form of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is option (A), where pH is related to the ratio of salt to acid.
Final Answer:} pH = pKa + log \left[\frac{[salt]}{[acid]}\right].