Question

A solution of sodium acetate (ch3coona) in water is weakly basic. a. True b. False

Answer 1

Hello!

The statement that a solution of sodium acetate (CH₃COONa) is weakly basic is true:

Sodium acetate is the conjugate base of Acetic Acid. When sodium acetate is dissolved in water, it follows the equation that is shown below:

CH₃COONa(s) → CH₃COO⁻(aq) + Na⁺(aq)

Now the Acetate (CH₃COO⁻) ion, has an equilibrium in water to produce hydroxyl (OH⁻) ions and (Acetic Acid CH₃COOH)

CH₃COO⁻ + H₂O ⇄ CH₃COOH + OH⁻

This is a weak equilibrium, and the hydroxyl ions cause the solution to be weakly basic.

Have a nice day!