Which of the following could be added to a solution of acetic acid to prepare a buffer?
A)sodium acetate only
B)sodium acetate or sodium hydroxide
C)nitric acid only
D)hydrofluoric acid or nitric acid
E)sodium hydroxide only

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To prepare a buffer, we need a weak acid and its conjugate base. Acetic acid is a weak acid and its conjugate base is sodium acetate. Therefore, adding sodium acetate to a solution of acetic acid will prepare a buffer. Addition of sodium hydroxide would react with acetic acid to make sodium acetate, which will further react with the remaining acetic acid to maintain the buffer. Nitric acid and hydrofluoric acid are strong acids and cannot be used to prepare a buffer.

Which of the Following Could Be Added to a Solution