Question

What happens when we add NaOH to a CH3COOH solution?

(A) Nothing happens
(B) Formation of CH3COONa in solution

I know the answer is B, but can you explain why and how?

Answer 1

acetic acid is weak acid, so it dissociates partially and there is an establishment of an equilibrium between acetic acid and thier respective ions as

CH₃COOH $\Leftrightarrow$ CH₃COO^- + H⁺

Where as sodium hydroxide is strong base. so it dissociates completely into Na⁺ and OH^- ions as

NaOH $\rightarrow$ Na⁺ + OH^-

The acetate ion (CH₃COO^-) and the sodium cation (Na⁺) combine to form CH₃COONa and the H⁺ ion combine with OH^- ion form water as

CH₃COO^- + Na⁺$\rightarrow$ CH₃COONa

H⁺ + OH^-$\rightarrow$ H₂O