definition of a buffer
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definition of a buffer
what exactly is the practical definition of a buffer? wouldn't any solution of a weak acid/base be a buffer because the acid/base and its conjugate would exist in solution? or am i getting this all confused lol
Re: definition of a buffer
A buffer is a solution that contains both conjugates. In the ICE table, therefore, the starting concentration for the conjugate acid/base is not 0.
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Re: definition of a buffer
A buffer has a weak acid/base and its conjugate so that it can thus resist a chance in pH. You want to have large enough concentrations of both so that it can react if an acid or base is added to the solution
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Re: definition of a buffer
A buffer has a weak acid/base with its conjugate. The conjugate can take/give a proton in solution, so it can resist a change in pH.
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Re: definition of a buffer
A buffer is a solution that resists changes in pH and it’s made by mixing a weak acid/base with its conjugate.
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Re: definition of a buffer
If you use a weak acid or weak base, wouldn't it's conjugate be a strong base/acid? So if the buffer demands equal concentrations of weak acid and base, how would it be created?
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Re: definition of a buffer
Hussain Chharawalla 1G wrote:If you use a weak acid or weak base, wouldn't it's conjugate be a strong base/acid? So if the buffer demands equal concentrations of weak acid and base, how would it be created?
i'm pretty sure the conjugate seesaw is only relative; if the acid is weakER then its conjugate base is strongER, etc. irl, if you have a weak acid with a conjugate base that is categorized as strong, it would actually mean the weak acid basically doesn't deprotonate. vice versa with a weak base and strong acid. HCl is a strong acid - its conjugate base Cl- ion doesn't protonate period.
it's like a spectrum
strong acid <--B---A----neutral H2O-B---A-----> strong base
a moderately weak acid/moderately weak conjugate base pairing (A and A) will fall equidistant left and right of the neutral H2O centerpoint. if a weak acid is strongER then the acid will be farther from the center and pull the conjugate base closer to the neutral center point, categorizing it as a weaker base (B and B). if an acid is so strong that it is a literal strong acid, that is it completely dissociates, then that means the conjugate base is pulled into the center point (practically) and is effectively neutral in solution/doesn't protonate more than just H2O would on its own.
this push and pull is a result of the fact that the Ka and Kb have to multiply into the Kw constant always.
Re: definition of a buffer
Also, I'm not sure about the presence of a salt when making a buffer. Can someone please explain that to me? Thanks!
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Re: definition of a buffer
A buffer solution is an aqueous solution consisting of a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base, or vice versa. Its pH changes very little when a small amount of strong acid or base is added to it.
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