- #1
lha08
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Homework Statement
In my textbook, they don't necessarily explain what happens when we add a base to a weak acid (e.g. acetic acid)...so I was wondering if anyone can tell me if I got it down:
-Like if we have acetic acid (which is a weak base) in water, it will form an equilibrium and form the hydronium ion (is this a strong conjugate acid?) and the acetate ion (strong conjugate base) as products.
-If we add NaOH, this will dissociate into Na+ and OH-...the OH- being a strong base will likely react with the strong conjugate acid (hydronium ion) in order to negate the effects of the added base.
-So essentially, this will favour the reverse reaction (does it bring it to completion since its a strong conjugate acid?)
-In the end, the OH- that reacts with the hydronium ion will form water which doesn't affect the pH...?
I don't really feel confident about my understanding though...it seems that I'm overthinking it...