Which of the following will determine the pH of a buffer made using acetic acid and sodium acetate? A) the amount of water present B) the amount of C₂H₃O₂⁻ present C) the amount of HC₂H₃O₂ produced D) the ratio of [C₂H₃O₂⁻]/[HC₂H₃O₂]

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pH of a buffer is determined by the ratio of its conjugate base (in this case, sodium acetate or C₂H₃O₂−) to its acid (in this case, acetic acid or HC₂H₃O₂). This ratio is represented by [C₂H₃O₂−]/[HC₂H₃O₂], which is the only option provided that includes both the acid and its conjugate base. Therefore, D is the correct answer. The amount of water present in the buffer does not directly determine its pH, although it can affect its pH stability. The amount of ions or compounds other than the acid and its conjugate base (such as H+ or OH-) also do not determine the pH of the buffer.

Which of the Following Will Determine the PH of a Buffer