Buffer solutions are a mixture of substances that have a fairly constant pH rega

Question

Buffer solutions are a mixture of substances that have a fairly constant pH regardless of addition of acid or base. They are used in medicine, industry and manufacturing to keep the pH of a soliton stable regardless of other reaction that might be occurring. We have buffers in our blood for the proper function of enzymes that is dependent on pH. Eating, breathing and exercising can all alter the blood pH but the buffers help control those changes. A buffer must contain a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid to work since the shift in equilibrium is required to neutralize either an acid or base added.

Explanation / Answer

Beaker A contains pure water with pH 7. It is a neutral solution.
Beaker B contains strong acid. Its pH is much lower than 7.
Beaker C contains weak acid. Its pH is lower than 7.
The pH of solutions in beakers A, B and C will significantly change upon addition of acid or base. These are not buffer solutions.
Beaker D contains a mixture of weak acid and its salt with strong acid. It acts as acidic buffer solution. It has fairly constant pH regardless of addtion of acid or base.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse B
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.