Which of the following would make the best buffer solution and explain.
HF and NaF
or
NaC2H3O2 and CH3COOH
To determine which of the two options would make the best buffer solution, we need to understand what a buffer solution is and how it works.
A buffer solution is a solution that can resist changes in its pH when a small amount of acid or base is added. It achieves this by containing a weak acid and its conjugate base (or a weak base and its conjugate acid) in reasonable concentrations.
Option 1: HF and NaF
HF is a weak acid, and NaF is its conjugate base. In this case, HF acts as the buffer's weak acid component, and NaF acts as its conjugate base component.
Option 2: NaC2H3O2 and CH3COOH
NaC2H3O2 is a weak base, and CH3COOH is its conjugate acid. In this case, NaC2H3O2 acts as the buffer's weak base component, and CH3COOH acts as its conjugate acid component.
To determine which option would make the best buffer solution, we need to examine the acid-base properties of the components and their pH ranges.
HF is a weak acid with a pH range of around 3-4. NaF, as its conjugate base, will have a pH range slightly higher than that of HF.
CH3COOH is also a weak acid but has a slightly higher pH range than HF, around 4-5. NaC2H3O2, as its conjugate base, will have a pH range slightly higher than that of CH3COOH.
Comparing the pH ranges of the weak acids, it appears that the pH range of CH3COOH is broader than that of HF. Therefore, the buffer solution made with NaC2H3O2 and CH3COOH would likely have a greater capacity to resist pH changes.
In summary, NaC2H3O2 and CH3COOH would make the better buffer solution based on their broader pH range compared to HF and NaF.