Question

Consider the buffer HSO₄-/SO₄₂-. The acid component of the buffer is:

a) HSO₄-
b) SO₄₂-
c) H₂SO₄
d) HS-

Answer 1

The acid component of the HSO₄-/SO₄²- buffer is HSO₄-.

Step-by-step explanation:

The acid component of the HSO₄-/SO₄²- buffer is HSO₄-.

The hydrogen sulfate ion (HSO₄-) is the conjugate acid of the sulfate ion (SO₄²-). HSO₄- can act as an acid in a buffer solution, donating a proton (H+) to a stronger base.

In this buffer, the sulfate ion (SO₄²-) acts as the conjugate base, capable of accepting a proton (H+) to form HSO₄-.