Acid-base chemistry problems are difficult for students in General Chemistry. Most acid-base problems take the following form: Solution A and Solution B are mixed in a flask, what is the pH? Despite what appears to be a simple problem, there are five different problems that take this form, depending on the identity of A and B (strong acid, strong base, weak acid, weak base), and each type of problem is solved in a different way. Acid-base problems are also difficult because they often involve multiple steps to arrive at an answer, rather than just plugging into an equation. Here, an acid-base decision flowchart is presented to help students decide what type of problem they are being asked to solve. A review sheet is also provided so that the students can test themselves to make sure they can differentiate between each type of problem, and practice solving different types of problems.
Michelle M. Ivey (Mon,) studied this question.