Chemistry (4th Edition)

Published by McGraw-Hill Publishing Company
ISBN 10: 0078021529
ISBN 13: 978-0-07802-152-7

Chapter 17 - Questions and Problems - Page 825: 17.17

Answer

Both $(c)$ and $(d)$ are capable of acting as a buffer.

Work Step by Step

(a) $KCl/HCl$ These compounds can't form a buffer, because $HCl$ is totally dissociated in water; therefore, we don't have an equilibrium in the solution. Since $Cl^-$ isn't a significant base, these compounds are not capable of neutralizing an added acid. (b) $KHSO_4/H_2SO_4$ These compounds can't form a buffer, because $H_2SO_4$ is totally dissociated in water; therefore, we don't have an equilibrium in the solution. Since $HS{O_4}^-$ isn't a significant base, these compounds are not capable of neutralizing an added acid. (c) and (d): They both have a weak acids, $H_2PO_4$ and $HNO_2$, and a weak base, that is the conjugate pair of the acid: $HP{O_4}^-$ and $NO_2$.
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