Which of the following mixtures will form a buffer solution?

Which of the following mixtures will form a buffer solution:

#a.# #H_2SO_4(aq)# and #NaOH(aq)#
#b.# #H_3PO_4# and #NaHCO_3(aq)#
#c.# #H_3C-CO_2H(aq)# and and half an equiv of #NaOH#.
#d.# #NH_4^+# and and half an equiv of #NaOH#?

1 Answer
anor277
Mar 6, 2017

#"A buffer solution is formed when appreciable............"#

Explanation:

A buffer solution is formed when appreciable quantities of a weak acid and its conjugate base are mixed together in aqueous solution. A buffer acts to resist GROSS changes in #pH#.

So looking at your list, #a.# has strongish acid, strong base;

#b.# strongish acid, weak base;

#c.# weak acid, and a half equiv strong base;

#d.# weak acid, and a half equiv strong base.

Solutions #c.# and #d.# will form a buffer.

Their #pH# will be given by the buffer equation:

#pH=pK_a+log_10(([A^-])/([HA]))#

For more of the same on buffers, see this link.

Related questions
See all questions in Buffer Calculations
Impact of this question
31303 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License