Buffer Capacity

[laurence14b2f]

Hi all! How does buffer capacity determine the ability of a buffer system to resist changes in pH when acids or bases are added?

[Chem_Mod]

Hi, so increased buffer capacity means it will take more acid or base to change the pH significantly. Specifically, a solution with more weak acid, conjugate base (or weak base, conjugate acid) will have a higher buffer capacity. And if a solution has higher concentration of weak acid than conjugate base, then the solution can take more base, while if the solution has higher concentration of conjugate base than weak acid, the solution can take more acid. Here is a website with more info: https://chemistrytalk.org/buffer-capacity-calculations/
Hope this helps!