Buffer in Salt Solutions
Moderators: Chem_Mod, Chem_Admin
-
- Posts: 108
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2021 7:00 am
Buffer in Salt Solutions
I am still quite confused on what actually a buffer is and it's purpose in salt solutions. Professor Lavelle mentioned that buffers don't affect the pH of a solution, but how exactly is that possible and what are buffers used for? If someone could explain it in detail, with an example (the lecture example can also be used), I would greatly appreciate it.
-
- Posts: 110
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2021 7:10 am
Re: Buffer in Salt Solutions
A buffer can resist pH change because they contain either an acidic or basic component that neutralizes OH- or H+ ions in the solution you are putting the buffer into. And they are used when you are performing an experiment or procedure that requires a very specific and/or stable pH.
-
- Posts: 49
- Joined: Mon Jan 03, 2022 9:34 pm
Re: Buffer in Salt Solutions
A buffer is a solution which resists a change in pH when a small amount of acid or base is added to it. Buffer solutions are basically a mixture which contains both an acid and a base of a weak conjugate pair. When acid is added, the alkali present in the buffer will neutralize it and when an alkali is added, the acid present in the buffer will neutralize it to maintain the pH of the buffer. This is why buffers are used in experiments where the pH needs to be controlled.
Re: Buffer in Salt Solutions
A buffer is a solution that resists pH change and can neutralize the solution when an acid or base is added to it. Buffers consist of a weak acid and its salt that has its conjugate base or vice versa. For the lecture example given, HNO2 would be the weak acid and KNO2 would be its salt. HNO2 would be able to neutralize any base that is added. To make this a better buffer, we added KNO2 in order to have more NO2- present in the solution to neutralize any acid that might be added.
Return to “Calculating the pH of Salt Solutions”
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests