Q19.1P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

What is the purpose of an acid-base buffer?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Buffers can withstand a large pH change.

Step 1: Acidic buffer solution

An acidic buffer solution is formed by mixing a weak acid with the salt having its conjugate base.

Step 2: Basic buffer solution

A basic buffer solution is the one which is formed by combining a weak base with a salt solution of its conjugate acid.

Step 3:Purpose of buffer solution

Buffer solutions can withstand pH changes because their weak acid or base and conjugate salt parings allow them to neutralise any changes within a specified range that differs between buffers. A buffer solution may begin to fail to stabilise the pH level if the pH is changed substantially.

Hence Buffers resist the dramatic change in pH.