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Ch.17 - Aqueous Ionic Equilibrium
Chapter 17, Problem 54a,b,d

Determine whether or not the mixing of each pair of solutions results in a buffer. a. 75.0 mL of 0.10 M HF; 55.0 mL of 0.15 M NaF b. 150.0 mL of 0.10 M HF; 135.0 mL of 0.175 M HCl d. 125.0 mL of 0.15 M CH3NH2; 120.0 mL of 0.25 M CH3NH3Cl

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1
Identify the components needed for a buffer solution: a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid.
Recognize that HF is a weak acid, which is a potential component of a buffer solution.
Note that HCl is a strong acid, which will completely dissociate in solution and does not form a buffer with HF.
Calculate the moles of HF: \( \text{moles of HF} = 0.150 \text{ L} \times 0.10 \text{ M} \).
Calculate the moles of HCl: \( \text{moles of HCl} = 0.135 \text{ L} \times 0.175 \text{ M} \).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Buffer Solutions

A buffer solution is a system that resists changes in pH upon the addition of small amounts of acid or base. It typically consists of a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid. Buffers are crucial in maintaining stable pH levels in various chemical and biological processes.
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Weak Acids and Strong Acids

Weak acids, like HF (hydrofluoric acid), partially dissociate in solution, establishing an equilibrium between the undissociated acid and its ions. In contrast, strong acids, such as HCl (hydrochloric acid), completely dissociate in solution. The presence of a strong acid can disrupt the equilibrium of a weak acid, affecting the buffer capacity.
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pH and Acid-Base Reactions

pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution, indicating its acidity or basicity. Acid-base reactions involve the transfer of protons (H+) between species, influencing the pH. Understanding how the mixing of different acids affects the overall pH is essential for determining whether a buffer is formed.
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