Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry (12th Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321908449
ISBN 13: 978-0-32190-844-5

Chapter 10 - Section 10.7 - Buffers - Additional Questions and Problems - Page 357: 10.81a

Answer

$H_2{PO_4}^-(aq) + H_3O^+(aq) \longrightarrow H_3PO_4(aq) + H_2O(l)$

Work Step by Step

The added acid will produce hydronium ions, which would increase the acidity of the solution, but the buffer will react with these ions to neutralize it. To neutralize this acidity $(H_3O^+)$, we need a base. So, $H_2P{O_4}^-$ is the other reactant, because it is the base of the buffer. $H_2{PO_4}^-(aq) + H_3O^+(aq) \longrightarrow$ Since this is an acid-base reaction, $H_3O^+$ will donate one proton to $H_2P{O_4}^-$, producing $H_3PO_4$ and $H_2O$. $H_2{PO_4}^-(aq) + H_3O^+(aq) \longrightarrow H_3PO_4(aq) + H_2O(l)$
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