Sodium hydroxide is added to a buffer solution of ammonia, N , and ammonium chloride, . What is the effect on the concentration of ammonia? What is the effect on the concentration of ammonium chloride?
A)Sodium hydroxide reacts with both the ammonia and ammonium chloride, so the concentration of both decreases.
B)Sodium hydroxide reacts with only the ammonium chloride, so the concentration of the ammonium chloride decreases and the concentration of ammonia increases.
C)Sodium hydroxide reacts with both the ammonia and ammonium chloride, so the concentration of both increases.
D)Sodium hydroxide reacts with only the ammonia, so the concentration of the ammonium chloride increases and the concentration of ammonia decreases.

Question

Sodium hydroxide is added to a buffer solution of ammonia, N  , and ammonium chloride,  . What is the effect on the concentration of ammonia? What is the effect on the concentration of ammonium chloride?
A)Sodium hydroxide reacts with both the ammonia and ammonium chloride, so the concentration of both decreases. 
B)Sodium hydroxide reacts with only the ammonium chloride, so the concentration of the ammonium chloride decreases and the concentration of ammonia increases. 
C)Sodium hydroxide reacts with both the ammonia and ammonium chloride, so the concentration of both increases. 
D)Sodium hydroxide reacts with only the ammonia, so the concentration of the ammonium chloride increases and the concentration of ammonia decreases.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When sodium hydroxide is added to the buffer solution, it reacts with the ammonium chloride to form ammonia and water. This reaction reduces the concentration of ammonium chloride in the solution, consequently increasing the concentration of ammonia according to Le Chatelier's principle, as the equilibrium shifts to counteract the removal of ammonia. The reaction between sodium hydroxide and ammonia is negligible in this case, so the concentration of ammonia remains mostly unchanged. Therefore, the concentration of ammonium chloride decreases, and the concentration of ammonia increases.

Sodium Hydroxide Is Added to a Buffer Solution of Ammonia