Final answer:
It is not possible to create a buffer of pH 5.2 that resists the addition of 50 mmol NaOH using the acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer system.
Step-by-step explanation:
A buffer is a solution that resists changes in pH when acid or base is added. To make a buffer of pH 5.2 that resists the addition of 50 mmol of NaOH, we need a weak acid and its conjugate base. One commonly used buffer system is a mixture of acetic acid and sodium acetate. The pKa of acetic acid is 4.74, which is close to the desired pH of 5.2.
To calculate the required volumes of acetic acid and sodium acetate, we can use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:
pH = pKa + log([A-]/[HA])
Plugging in the values, we have:
5.2 = 4.74 + log([A-]/[HA])
log([A-]/[HA]) = 0.46
[A-]/[HA] = 2.85
Since the buffer is made from equal volumes of acetic acid and sodium acetate, we can assume that the initial concentrations of [A-] and [HA] are equal.
Let's assume the initial concentration is x. Then, [A-] = [HA] = x
Substituting these values into the equation, we have:
2.85 = x/x
2.85 = 1
This is not possible, so it is not possible to create a buffer of pH 5.2 that resists the addition of 50 mmol of NaOH using the acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer system.