A chemistry lab prepares a buffer solution by mixing 300 mL of 0.6 M acetic acid with 200 mL of 0.9 M sodium acetate. What is the total number of moles of acetate ion (from sodium acetate) in the final solution?

Mon, 04 May 2026 20:59:48 +0000

**Why Are Buffer Solutions Gaining Attention in Science and Wellness Communities?**
In both scientific research and everyday wellness practices, maintaining balanced pH levels remains essential. A chemistry lab prepares a buffer solution by mixing 300 mL of 0.6 M acetic acid with 200 mL of 0.9 M sodium acetate—a precise combination that serves as a practical demonstration of acid-base equilibrium. This setup is increasingly discussed as users seek reliable, natural ways to prevent pH fluctuations in biological and household systems. The gear-driven precision of such a mix not only fascinates students and DIY experimenters but also underlines broader trends toward understanding chemical stability beyond the lab. **Understanding How a Buffer Like This Forms**
When acetic acid (a weak acid) meets sodium acetate (its conjugate base), a dynamic equilibrium emerges. The acetic acid donates protons slowly, while the acetate ions neutralize added hydrogen ions—keeping the solution resistant to drastic pH shifts. This neutralizing capacity is what defines a buffer, and calculating the exact moles of acetate ion reveals the buffer’s buffering capacity. With 300 mL of 0.6 M acetic acid and 200 mL of 0.9 M sodium acetate, the final solution contains precisely calculated acetate ions critical for its function. **How the Buffer Is Formed: A Step-by-Step Breakdown**
The total moles of acetate ion come solely from the sodium acetate solution, as acetic acid provides a strong acid that does not contribute acetate.
- Sodium acetate concentration: 0.9 M
- Volume used: 0.2 L (200 mL)
- Moles of acetate = 0.9 mol/L × 0.2 L = 0.18 moles This calculation confirms exactly how much acetate ion is available to stabilize pH—offering insight into why such mixtures are trusted in educational labs, home experiments, and health-related wellness routines.