Which of the following must be increased in order to decrease the pH of a buffer made using acetic acid and sodium acetate? A) the amount of water present B) [C₂H₃O₂⁻] C) [HC₂H₃O₂] D) the ratio of [C₂H₃O₂⁻]/[HC₂H₃O₂]

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To decrease the pH of a buffer made using acetic acid and sodium acetate, the concentration of hydrogen ions ([H+]) must be increased. This can be achieved by increasing the concentration of acetic acid ([HAc]) and decreasing the concentration of acetate ions ([Ac-]). The ratio of [Ac-]/[HAc] is what defines the buffering capacity of the solution, so changing this ratio would affect the buffer's ability to resist changes in pH. Therefore, the only choice that increases [HAc] and decreases [Ac-] is Choice C, increasing the concentration of acetic acid.

Which of the Following Must Be Increased in Order to Decrease