Question

The dissociation of ethanoic acid is an equilibrium process which is represented by the equation: `HC_2H_3O_2  H^+ + C_2H_3O_2^-` How will this equilibrium be affected if a base (OH-) is added?

Answer 1

Clearly, addition of base will drive the equilibrium to the right.

Explanation:

`H_3C-C(=O)OH + ""^(-)OH rightleftharpoons H_3C-CO_2^(-) + H_2O`

Thus addition of stoichiometric sodium hydroxide will yield stoichiometric sodium acetate. Sodium acetate still participates in the equilibrium reaction.