Given below are two statements: 

Assertion (A): A solution containing a mixture of acetic acid and sodium acetate maintains a constant value of pH on the addition of small amounts of acid or alkali.
Reason (R): A solution containing a mixture of acetic acid and sodium acetate acts as a buffer solution. 
 
1. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
2. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
3. (A) is true but (R) is false.
4. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint: Buffer solution resist the pH change.

Explanation:

A buffer solution is an acid or a base aqueous solution consisting of a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base, or vice versa. Its pH changes very little when a small amount of strong acid or base is added to it.
A solution containing a mixture of acetic acid and sodium acetate acts as a buffer solution as it maintains a constant pH which is not affected by the addition of small amounts of acid or alkali.

So, option 1 is the correct answer.