Increasing which of the following will decrease the buffer capacity of a buffer made using acetic acid and sodium acetate? A) the amount of water present B) the [C₂H₃O₂^-] C) the [HC₂H₃O₂] D) the ratio [C₂H₃O₂^-]/[HC₂H₃O₂]

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The buffer capacity of a buffer solution is directly related to the concentrations of the acid and its conjugate base. Increasing the amount of water present in the buffer solution will dilute the concentrations of both acetic acid and sodium acetate, leading to a decrease in buffer capacity. Thus, choice A is the correct answer. B and C are not relevant factors for calculating buffer capacity. D is an inverse relationship between the concentrations of the acid and its conjugate base, so it does not address a factor that could positively or negatively impact buffer capacity.

Increasing Which of the Following Will Decrease the Buffer Capacity