Question

A buffer contains significant amounts of ammonia and ammonium chloride. part a write an equation showing how this buffer neutralizes added acid (hi).

Answer 1

Hello!

When HI is added, the buffer reacts in the following way:

1) Neutralizing of the Acid:

HI + NH₄OH → NH₄I + H₂O

2) Dissociation of the salt of a weak acid:

NH₄I → NH₄⁺(aq) + I⁻ (aq)

3) Dissociation of a weak acid to form H₃O⁺ (very little):

NH₄⁺ + H₂O ⇄ NH₃ + H₃O⁺

This series of reactions show how the adding of a strong Acid can be neutralized by the buffer, releasing instead very little amounts of Hydronium ions.

Have a nice day!