Question

Determine whether or not each mixture is a buffer. check all that apply. check all that apply. koh and nh3 hbr and nacl hcl and hbr hcho2 and nacho2

Answer 1

A buffer is usually composed of either:
- a weak base combined with its conjugate acid, or
- a weak acid combined with its conjugate base

Now, examining each of the choices:
1- KOH and NH3: since they are both bases, thus this mixture is not a buffer
2- HBr and NaCl: since HBr is a strong acid while NaCl is the salt of another different acid, thus this mixture is not a buffer
3- HCl and HBr: these are both considered to be strong acid, thus this mixture is not a buffer
4- HCHO2 and NaCHO2: as for HCH02, it is considered a weak base while NaCHO2 is considered its conjugate base, thus this mixture is a buffer