Question

You have 50.00 mL of a solution that is 0.100 M in acetic acid, and you neutralize it by adding 50.00 mL of a solution that is 0.100 M in sodium hydroxide. The pH of theresulting solution is not 7.00. Explain why. Is the pH ofthe solution greater than or less than 7?

Short answer

The number of moles of acetic acid and sodium hydroxide is equal. Due to that, the pH of the solution is equal to seven or neutral.

Step-by-step solution

Acetic acid.

A liquid organic substance with a chemical formula is acidic and colorless. Vinegar is also made up of acetic acid. 4% acetic acid is called vinegar. Acetic acid is a weak acid.

Reaction between acetic acid and sodium hydroxide.

When acetic acid and sodium hydroxide react, it forms acetate anion, sodium cation, and water as a side product.

$C{H}_{3}COOH+NaOH\rightleftharpoons C{H}_{3}CO{O}^{-}+N{a}^{+}+H_{2}O$

pH of the solution.

Here, 0.100 M of acetic acid and 0.100 M of sodium hydroxide is given.4

Acetic acid: $0.05\times 0.100$= 0.05 at 0.05

Sodium Hydroxide: $0.05\times 0.100$= 0.05 at 0.05

The number of moles of acetic acid and sodium hydroxide is equal. Due to that, the pH of the solution is equal to seven or neutral.