Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Please explain what is in a buffer...?

and discuss the function of a buffer.

How will pH change when small amounts of acids or bases are added to the buffer solution?Please explain what is in a buffer...?
A buffer is a solution of a weak acid and it's conjugate weak base. The pH of the buffer is such that it is within one pH unit of the pKa of the acid (aka the weak acid and weak base forms are present in near-equal amounts). This means that when you add small amounts of acid or base to the buffer, the weak acid/base will sort of ';soak up'; the extra H+ (or OH-) ions and the result will be little to no change in the pH of the solution.



So the purpose of a buffer is to make a solution where the pH stays stable even when small amounts of acid or base are added.

1 comment:

  1. A buffer a substance that resists changes in pH. A buffer is usually made a weak acid and its conjugate base. A buffer will react with an added acid or base to prevent changes in pH.

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