Which of the following could be added to a solution of acetic acid to prepare a buffer? sodium acetate sodium hydroxide nitric acid hydrofluoric acid
A) nitric acid only
B) sodium acetate only
C) sodium hydroxide only
D) sodium acetate or sodium hydroxide
E) hydrofluoric acid or nitric acid

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sodium acetate or sodium hydroxide can be added to a solution of acetic acid to prepare a buffer. Sodium acetate will act as a conjugate base to the weak acid acetic acid, while sodium hydroxide will react with some of the acetic acid to form its conjugate base, acetate ion. Both sodium acetate and sodium hydroxide will help maintain the pH of the solution by absorbing any excess protons or hydroxide ions present. Nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid are strong acids, so they would only further acidify the solution and not act as a buffer.

Which of the Following Could Be Added to a Solution