Question:

Which one of the pairs will form a buffer solution?

Show Hint

To identify a buffer quickly, look for "Weak" + "Salt." If you see a "Strong" component (like $NaOH$, $HCl$, or $HNO_3$) paired only with a salt, it is usually a distractor unless a chemical reaction is specified with specific molar ratios.
Updated On: May 20, 2026
  • $CH_3COONa$ & $NaOH$
  • $CH_3COONH_4$ & $NH_4Cl$
  • $NH_4Cl$ & $NH_4OH$
  • $CH_3COONa$ & $HCl$
Show Solution
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: A buffer solution is a solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of an acid or a base are added to it. There are two primary types:
Acidic Buffer: A weak acid and its salt with a strong base (e.g., $CH_3COOH + CH_3COONa$).
Basic Buffer: A weak base and its salt with a strong acid (e.g., $NH_4OH + NH_4Cl$).

Step 1:
Evaluate each option.

Option A: $CH_3COONa$ (Salt) & $NaOH$ (Strong Base). This is not a buffer because $NaOH$ is a strong base.
Option B: $CH_3COONH_4$ (Salt of weak acid/weak base) & $NH_4Cl$ (Salt). This pair does not contain a weak acid or weak base component.
Option C: $NH_4OH$ (Weak Base) & $NH_4Cl$ (Salt of weak base with strong acid $HCl$). This matches the definition of a Basic Buffer.
Option D: $CH_3COONa$ (Salt) & $HCl$ (Strong Acid). While they can react to form a buffer if $CH_3COONa$ is in excess, as a simple pair, they do not constitute the standard buffer components.

Step 2:
Conclusion.
The pair in Option C consists of a weak base ($NH_4OH$) and its conjugate salt ($NH_4Cl$), which perfectly forms a basic buffer solution.
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