A solution is prepared that is 0.500 M lactic acid (HC3H5O3) and 0.250 M sodium lactate. The pH of this solution is 3.55.
a. Suppose that to 250 ml of this solution, 0.020 moles of hydrochloric acid is 3 added. What would be the pH of the resulting solution? Approximate that there is no OH significant volume change when the hydrochloric acid is added. Is the change in pH in agreement with what you might expect? Explain.
b. If the 0.020 moles of HCl were added to 250 ml of de-ionized water instead of the buffer, what would be the pH be? Does this tell you if the buffer successful prevents large changes in pH?