A solution of Acetic acid has a light red color in the presense of the indicator orange IV. When sodium acetate is added to the solution, the color changes to yellow. Explain the reaction which causes the color change.

I have no idea. Does it have to do with the sodium added? I don't understand. Help please!

The color change in the solution can be explained by the reaction between the acetic acid and sodium acetate. Acetic acid is a weak acid, while sodium acetate is the conjugate base of acetic acid.

When the indicator orange IV is added to the acetic acid solution, a red color appears. This is because orange IV is an acid-base indicator that changes color depending on the acidity or basicity of the solution it is in. In the presence of the weak acid acetic acid, which is slightly acidic, the indicator exhibits a red color.

When sodium acetate is added to the solution, it dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and acetate ions (CH3COO-). The acetate ions react with the acetic acid and form more acetic acid through a process called the hydrolysis reaction. This reaction shifts the equilibrium towards the formation of more acetic acid.

The increased concentration of acetic acid leads to an increase in acidity. As a result, the orange IV indicator changes its color from red to yellow. This color change indicates the increase in acidity of the solution due to the increase in the concentration of acetic acid.

In summary, the color change from red to yellow is caused by the reaction between sodium acetate and acetic acid, resulting in an increase in acidity and a shift in the equilibrium towards the formation of more acetic acid.