For a weak-acid buffer, pH = pKa + log([conjugate _____]/[conjugate acid]).
Answer
base
Explanation
The Henderson–Hasselbalch equation places the conjugate base in the numerator and the conjugate acid in the denominator. For an acetate buffer, this is commonly written as $pH=pK_a+\log([salt]/[acid])$. **Key takeaway:** The base-to-acid ratio determines pH relative to pKa. **Glossary:** Conjugate base: species remaining after an acid donates a proton.