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Explain Bot To determine whether CH3COOH (acetic acid) acts as a buffer when its conjugate base is added, we need to consider the properties of a buffer solution.
A buffer is a solution that resists changes in pH when an acid or base is added to it. It usually consists of a weak acid and its conjugate base (or a weak base and its conjugate acid), present in roughly equal amounts. The weak acid and its conjugate base can react with additional acid or base, respectively, to minimize changes in pH.
In this case, CH3COOH is a weak acid and its conjugate base is CH3COO-. When CH3COOH is added to water, it partially dissociates to release H+ ions and CH3COO- ions:
CH3COOH ⇌ H+ + CH3COO-
When CH3COO- (the conjugate base) is added to the solution, it reacts with the H+ ions present, forming CH3COOH and reducing the concentration of H+. This reaction helps maintain the pH of the solution near its initial value, acting as a buffer.
Therefore, when the conjugate base CH3COO- is added to a solution of acetic acid (CH3COOH), it does act as a buffer.