Question

When we react a weak acid with a strong base of equal amounts and concentration, the component of the reaction that will have the greatest effect on the pH of the solution is:______.
a. the acid.
b. the base.
c. the conjugate acid.
d. the conjugate base.

Answer 1

Answer:

d. the conjugate base.

Explanation:

The general reaction of a weak acid, HA, with a strong base YOH, is:

HA + YOH → A⁻ + H₂O + Y⁻

Where A⁻ is the conjugate base of the weak acid and Y⁻ usually is a strong electrolyte.

That means after he complete reaction you don't have weak acid nor strong base, just conjugate base that will be in equilibrium with water, thus (Strong electrolyte doesn't change pH:

A⁻ + H₂O ⇄ HA + OH⁻

As the equilibrium is producing OH⁻, the pH of the solution is being affected for the conjugate base

Right option:

d. the conjugate base.