Answer to Question #163107 in Inorganic Chemistry for Nawid Sayed

Question

Hi, help me with this question, please.

Explain how a solution containing propanoic acid and sodium propanoate can function as a buffer solution. Your answer must include balanced chemical equations, physical states included. 

Answer 1

C₃H₅O₂H $\iff$ C₃H₅O₂^- + H⁺

When a strong acid is added to the system, it shifts the equilibrium towards the initial substances, and the addition of a strong base binds protons and shifts the equilibrium towards the products, while, as a result, the pH of the solution changes slightly.