Which statement describes the action of a buffer composed of acetic acid (CH3COOH) and sodium acetate (NaCH3COO) ? Acetic acid neutralizes added base, and sodium acetate neutralizes added acid. Both components, acetic acid and sodium acetate, neutralize added acid. Sodium acetate neutralizes added base, and acetic acid neutralizes added acid. Both components, acetic acid and sodium acetate, neutralize added base.

Question

Chemistry

Larissa

14 January, 09:43

Which statement describes the action of a buffer composed of acetic acid (CH3COOH) and sodium acetate (NaCH3COO) ? Acetic acid neutralizes added base, and sodium acetate neutralizes added acid. Both components, acetic acid and sodium acetate, neutralize added acid. Sodium acetate neutralizes added base, and acetic acid neutralizes added acid. Both components, acetic acid and sodium acetate, neutralize added base.

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Answers (2)

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Andreas Martinez · Answer 1

Acetic acid neutralizes added base, and sodium acetate neutralizes added acid.

Explanation:

Acetic acid is the acid that will dissociate to release H⁺ ion which will react and neutralize the added base.

CH₃COOH → H⁺ + CH₃COO⁻

H⁺ + OH⁻ → H₂O

Sodium acetate will dissociate to release the acetate ion (CH₃COO⁻) which will react and neutralize the added acid.

CH₃COONa → Na⁺ + CH₃COO⁻

H⁺ + CH₃COO⁻ → CH₃COOH

Dana Benton · Answer 2

Acetic acid neutralizes added base, and sodium acetate neutralizes added acid.

Explanation:

Acetic acid have an acidic character so it will react with bases to form salts keeping the pH constant.

Sodium acetate will react with an acid (stronger than the acetic acid) and doing that will keep the pH constant in certain limits.