Final answer:
Upon coming in contact with a strong base, a buffer system undergoes a chemical reaction that neutralizes the added hydroxide ions, forming water and maintaining a stable pH.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a buffer system comes in contact with a strong base, it undergoes a chemical reaction to minimize changes in pH. A strong base provides OH- ions that react with the weak acid component of the buffer. In the case of an acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer (HC2H3O2/NaC2H3O2), the reaction would be:
HC2H3O2 (aq) + OH- (aq) → H2O(l) + C2H3O2- (aq)
Rather than the pH becoming more basic, the hydroxide ions are neutralized, forming water, and the pH remains relatively stable. This response exhibits the buffer's capacity to absorb added OH- ions, which helps in maintaining a narrow pH range even after the addition of a strong base.