Chapter 6: Buffer Solutions

Flashcards covering acids, bases, pH, and buffer solutions.

What are acids?

Substances that contain one or more hydrogen ions; produce hydroxyl ions (H+) when dissolved in water.

Give some examples of acids.

HCl, H2SO4, HNO3

What are bases?

Substances that contain one or more hydroxide ions; produce hydroxyl ions (OH-) when dissolved in water.

Give some examples of bases.

KOH, NaOH, Mg(OH)2, Ca(OH)2

What are the classifications of acids according to the number of released protons?

Monoprotic, Diprotic, Triprotic

Give examples of monoprotic acids.

HCl, HNO3, CH3COOH

Give examples of diprotic acids.

H2SO4, H2CO3

Give examples of triprotic acids.

H3PO4

What is the dissociation constant?

The equilibrium constant for an ionization reaction used to determine the relative strengths of acids and bases.

What is Ka?

The acid ionization constant.

What is Kb?

The base ionization constant.

How does the Ka value affect acidity?

As the Ka value increases, the acidity increases.

How does the Kb value affect basicity?

As the Kb value increases, the basicity increases.

What are the important applications of Ka and Kb?

Determining the strength of an acid or base and calculating pH.

What is pH?

A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a fluid, based on hydrogen ion concentration.

What is the pH range?

0 to 14

What is the mathematical formula for calculating pH?

pH = -log[H+]

What is a pH meter?

A device used to detect the pH of a solution.

What is the normal pH range of blood?

7.35 to 7.45

What is a buffer solution?

A solution that can resist pH change upon the addition of an acid or a base; consists of a weak acid and its conjugate base.

What are some examples of buffer systems in blood plasma?

Plasma proteins, phosphate, bicarbonate, and carbonic acid buffers.

How does the bicarbonate buffer system work?

H2CO3 and HCO3- work together to balance pH.

What is acidosis?

A condition in which there is too much acid in the body fluids.

What is alkalosis?

A condition in which there is too much base in the body fluids.