8.10 Buffer Capacity/ AP CHEM

buffer controls…

controls pH after addition of A & B

buffer increases

increases concentration of buffer components

• keeps pH of buffer same

• increases amount of acid/ base buffer can neutralize (as long as [ ] ratio stays constant)

diluting does NOT change pH

buffer capacity

• choose acid w/ Ka close to intended value of [H₃O⁺]

• exact value of [H₃O⁺] achieved by adjusting acid/ conj. base ratio (determined by HHE)

increasing the concentration of the buffer components (while keeping the ratio of these concentrations constant…

keeps pH of the buffer the same but increases the capacity of the buffer to neutralize added acid or base

when a buffer has more conjugate acid than base…

it has a greater buffer capacity for added base than added acid