Buffers and Introduction to Nuclear Chemistry

These flashcards cover key concepts such as buffers, nuclear chemistry, and related vocabulary definitions necessary for understanding the content of the lecture.

Buffer

A combination of substances that together prevent a drastic change in pH; usually comprised of a weak acid and its conjugate base.

pKa

A value that tells us how strong an acid is; the lower the pKa, the stronger the acid.

Isotope

Atoms with the same atomic number but different mass number (different number of neutrons).

Nuclide

The nucleus of a specific isotope.

Nuclear Chemistry

The study of the properties and reactions of atomic nuclei.

Nuclear Reaction

Reactions that occur between the nuclides of one or more atoms.

Buffering Capacity

The amount of acid or base that can be added to a buffer solution before it is unable to maintain its pH.

Protonated

The process of gaining a proton (H+) in an acid-base reaction.

Deprotonated

The process of losing a proton (H+) in an acid-base reaction.

Acid-Base Chemistry

A branch of chemistry dealing with the transfer of protons between reactants.

Reagents

Substances added to causes a chemical reaction.

Conjugate Base

The species that remains after an acid donates a proton.