Question

When we react a weak acid with a strong base of equal amounts and concentration, the component of the reaction that will have the greatest effect on the pH of the solution is: Select the correct answer below:_________

a. the reactant acid
b. the reactant base
c. the conjugate acid of the strong base
d. the conjugate base of the weak acid

Answer 1

d. the conjugate base of the weak acid

Step-by-step explanation:

The strong base (BOH) is completely dissociated in water:

BOH → B⁺ + OH⁻

The resulting conjugate acid (OH⁻) is a weak acid, so it remains in solution as OH⁻ ions.

By other hand, the weak acid (HA) is only slightly dissociated in water:

HA ⇄ H⁺ + A⁻

The resulting conjugate base (A⁻) is a weak base. Thus, it reacts with H⁺ ions from water to form HA, increasing the concentration of OH⁻ ions in the solution.

Therefore, the resulting solution will have a pH > 7 (basic).