Question

A buffer contains significant amounts of ammonia and ammonium chloride. Write a net ionic equation showing how this buffer neutralizes added acid (HI). Write a net ionic equation showing how this buffer neutralizes added base (Ba(OH)2).

Answer 1

mixture of NH3 and NH4Cl act as basic buffer

1) if we add HI following reaction takes place

HI is acid so basic part of buffer neutralize the added HI

HI + NH3 ----------> NH4I net ionic reaction as follows

H⁺_(aq) + NH3_(aq) -----------> NH4⁺_(aq)   

2) if we add Ba(OH)2 following reaction takes place

Ba(OH)2 + 2NH4Cl -----------> BaCl2 + NH3 + 2H2O

net ionic reaction as follows

2OH^-_(aq) + 2 NH4⁺_(aq) --------> 2 NH3_(aq) + 2H2O_(l)

simplify the reaction

OH^-_(aq) + NH4⁺_(aq) --------> NH3_(aq) + H2O_(l)