Final answer:
HC2H3O2 combined with NaC2H3O2 forms a buffer solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of strong acid or base are added. The capacity of the buffer to resist pH changes lasts until its buffering components are significantly consumed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, HC2H3O2 (acetic acid) combined with NaC2H3O2 (sodium acetate) forms an effective buffer. A buffer is a solution that can resist significant changes in pH upon the addition of small amounts of acid or base. This particular buffer functions as follows: When a strong base (OH- ions) is added to the buffer solution, it reacts with the HC2H3O2 in the following acid-base reaction:
HC2H3O2(aq) + OH-(aq) → H2O(l) + C2H3O2- (aq)
In this reaction, the OH- reacts with the acetic acid to produce water and acetate ions, thus minimizing any pH change. Conversely, when a strong acid (H+ ions) is introduced, the acetate ion (C2H3O2- from sodium acetate) will form acetic acid (HC2H3O2) through this reaction:
H+(aq) + C2H3O2-(aq) → HC2H3O2(aq)
A buffer's capacity is its ability to absorb the added H+ or OH- without a significant pH change. This buffer system works well up to a certain point, until the buffer capacity is exceeded.