Final answer:
The concentration of acetic acid in the sample is 0.186 M.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concentration of acetic acid in the sample can be determined using the concept of equivalence point in a titration. From the given information, we know that 26.6 mL of a 0.175 M NaOH solution is needed to reach the equivalence point when titrating a 25.0 mL sample of acetic acid solution.
The equation for the reaction between acetic acid (CH3COOH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is:
CH3COOH + NaOH → CH3COONa + H2O
Using the balanced equation, we can determine the moles of acetic acid in the sample and then calculate its concentration:
Moles of NaOH = concentration × volume (in liters)
Moles of acetic acid = moles of NaOH
Concentration of acetic acid = moles of acetic acid / volume of acetic acid (in liters)
Substituting the given values, we get:
Concentration of acetic acid = (0.175 M) × (0.0266 L) / (0.025 L) = 0.186 M