Which of the following buffers will have the highest pH? A) A solution containing 0.20 M HC₂H₃O₂ and 0.20 M NaC₂H₃O₂ will have the highest pH. B) A solution containing 0.25 M HC₂H₃O₂ and 0.15 M NaC₂H₃O₂ will have the highest pH. C) A solution containing 0.15 M HC₂H₃O₂ and 0.25 M NaC₂H₃O₂ will have the highest pH. D) They all will have the same pH.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pH of a buffer depends on the pKa of the weak acid and the ratio of the concentrations of the weak acid and its conjugate base. In this case, solution C has the highest concentration of weak acid (0.15 M HC₂H₃O₂) compared to its conjugate base (0.25 M NaC₂H₃O₂). This means the buffer in solution C will have the highest pH.

Which of the Following Buffers Will Have the Highest PH