Question

Write reaction equations to explain how your acetic acid-acetate buffer reacts with an acid and reacts with a base.

Answer 1

acetic acid = CH3COOH(aq) , acetate = CH3COO-(aq) and proton = H+(aq)

so...

CH3COOH(aq) <-> CH3COO-(aq) + H+(aq)

this is the dissociation of acid, therefore, it will yield H+ ions in solution, which are ACIDIC

then... for the acetate buffer, recall that

CH3COO-(aq) is a weak conjugate base, so, it can accept H+ if in excess

so

H+(aq) + CH3COO-(aq) <--> CH3COOH(aq)

therefore, addition of excess H+, will form CH3COOH slowly.. i.e. th epH will not increase drstically

Addition of OH- ins, from a strong base:

OH-(aq) + H+(aq) <--> H2O(l)

then, OH- is apdily converted to H2O, which is not basic, so pH won't change drastically.