Chapter 18, Problem 75E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The ratio of $\left[{\text{HC}}_{\text{2}}{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}\right]/\left[{\text{C}}_{\text{2}}{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}{}^{-}\right]$ that will yield a buffer in which $\text{pH}$ is $\text{4}\text{.25}$ is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

A strong acid easily releases protons to a base or when dissolved in water. It readily participates in an acid-base reaction. A weak acid undergoes only slight ionization in solution. It does not release protons easily. The extent of the ionization is determined by the ionization constant. Buffer solutions are those which resist change in $\text{pH}$ on the addition of small amounts of acid or base.