Buffers & Titration Curves

Chem*1040

What is a buffer?

a solution characterized by ability to resist pH changes when limited amounts of acid/base added to it

What happens when strong acid added to buffer?

supplies hydronium ions that can react with base A-

What happens when a strong base is added to a buffer?

supplies hydroxide ions to react with acid HA

How does a buffer solution resist pH changes?

through ability to combine H3O+ and OH- ions

T or F: buffers have equal molar amounts of weak acid and conjugate base

True

Buffer capacity

amount of acid/base buffer can react with before giving a significant pH change

What does the buffer capacity depend on?

amount of acid and conjugate base

Henderson-Hasselbalch equation

relates the pH of a buffer for different concentrations of conjugate acid and base

Acid-base titration curve

plot of pH of a solution of acid/base against volume added of base/acid

Equivalence point

point in a titration when a stoichiometric amount of reactant has been added