Chapter 17.3, Problem 1PPB

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The $\text{pH}$ range of buffer containing nitrous acid and sodium nitrite is to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

A solution that contains a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid is a buffer solution.

A solution is only a buffer if it has the capacity to resist pH change when either acid or base is added.

The pH range of a buffer cannotbe more than one pH unitdifferent from the weak acid. The range of the buffer is expressed as follows:

$\text{pH}=\text{p}{K}_a\pm 1$

Here, $\text{pH}$ is $\text{pH}$ of buffer and $\text{p}{K}_a$ is acid dissociation constant.