Using Microsoft Excel solver, which is an add-in program to solve optimization problems, a p
K distribution was estimated. The p
K distribution shows the relation between the p
K values and concentrations of acids in a sample solution and is applied to analyze a heterogeneous surface. A titration curve was obtained from titration of a citric acid solution with a sodium hydroxide solution. The theoretical equation of the titration curve was converted into a linear equation. The equation was fitted to experimental data by the linear programming method included in Excel solver. The p
K distributions estimated by Excel solver and by a specially designed program applying the simplex method are almost equal. This indicates that Excel solver can not only be applied for excellent estimation of p
K distribution, but also that all Excel users can easily carry out similar determinations.
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