Which of the following represents an appropriate buffer system?

Question

A. HCl and KOH

 B. NaOH and H₂O

 C. H₂CO₃ and NaHCO₃

 D. NaNO₃ and HNO₃

 E. H₂SO₄ and Na₂SO₄

Answer 1

To have an effective buffer you must have a weak acid + the salt of that acid, or a weak base + the salt of that base.

A. HCl and KOH - strong acid and strong base - not a buffer

 B. NaOH and H₂O - strong base alone - not a buffer

 C. H₂CO₃ and NaHCO₃ - weak acid + salt of that acid - buffer

 D. NaNO₃ and HNO₃ - strong acid + salt of that acid - not a buffer

 E. H₂SO₄ and Na₂SO₄ - strong acid + salt of that acid - not a buffer