Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Can anyone explain? ';For maximum buffer capacity, pH=pKa';?

I understand that this is because the concentration of the salt and acid are equal, but how does this make buffer capacity maximum? Wouldn't a solution with a higher salt concentration be able to better resist pH changes if H+ is added? (Or a solution with more acid resisting pH changes better if OH- is added)Can anyone explain? ';For maximum buffer capacity, pH=pKa';?
Max buffer capacity means that it resists change in pH the most. Look up the buffer titration curve. When you have equal H-salt and salt-, you are at a flattest part of the curve, meaning if you add OH- or H+, your solution will resist pH changes the most.

No comments:

Post a Comment