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.

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