Question

A buffer is a solution that is a mixture of either a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid. When strong acids or strong bases are added, buffers either accept protons when they are in excess or donate protons when they have been depleted to minimize changes in pH. Which of the statements correctly describe the properties of a buffer?
a. The conjugate base of an acidic buffer will accept hydrogen protons when a strong acid is added to the solution.
b. An acidic buffer solution is a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base.
c. An acidic buffer solution is a mixture of a weak base and its conjugate acid.
d. The weak acid of an acidic buffer will accept hydrogen protons when a strong base is added to the solution.
e. The weak acid of an acidic buffer will donate hydrogen protons when a strong base is added to the solution.
f. The conjugate base of an acidic buffer will donate hydrogen protons when a strong acid is added to the solution.

Answer 1

Answer:

a. The conjugate base of an acidic buffer will accept hydrogen protons when a strong acid is added to the solution.

b. An acidic buffer solution is a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base.

e. The weak acid of an acidic buffer will donate hydrogen protons when a strong base is added to the solution.

Explanation:

Which of the statements correctly describe the properties of a buffer?

a. The conjugate base of an acidic buffer will accept hydrogen protons when a strong acid is added to the solution. TRUE. The conjugate base neutralizes the excess of hydrogen protons.

b. An acidic buffer solution is a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base. TRUE.

c. An acidic buffer solution is a mixture of a weak base and its conjugate acid. FALSE. This is a basic buffer solution.

d. The weak acid of an acidic buffer will accept hydrogen protons when a strong base is added to the solution. FALSE. The weak acid will react with the hydroxyl ions from the added base.

e. The weak acid of an acidic buffer will donate hydrogen protons when a strong base is added to the solution. TRUE. These hydrogen protons will form water.

f. The conjugate base of an acidic buffer will donate hydrogen protons when a strong acid is added to the solution. FALSE. It will accept hydrogen protons.