Buffer solution

a solution of a weak acid and its conjugate base (vice versa)

what is the pH for blood

7.35 - 7.45

what must buffer solutions contain?

1. significant amounts of acid to react with any OH- that is added to it

2. similar concentration of base to react with added H+ ions

3. acid and base components of the buffer must not consume each other in nutralization reactions

what kind of solutions are buffer solutions?

solutions of weak acids or bases containing a common ion

what are biological buffers?

They’re organic compounds or altered amino acids which have a neutralizing effect on hydrogen ions

example of strong electrolytes (complete ionization)

CH3COONa

example of weak electrolytes ( ionizes slightly)

CH3COOH

what is the pH determined by? in the Henderson - Hasselbach equation

acid dissociation constant and the ratio A/HA

in the henderson hasselbach equation, what is pH determined by?

the base dissociation constant and the ratio HB+/B

What is Buffer Capacity?

A quantitative measure of a buffer’s ability to resist changes in pH when acids or bases are added

what is the ph of a buffer solution determined by?

the ratio A^-/ HA or HB+/B

What is the Capacity of a buffered solution determined by?

Magnitudes of A- / HA or HB+ / B

What will large changes in ratios produce?

large changes in the pH

List Buffer systems in the human body

• Ammonia - urine

• Hemoglobin - red blood cells

• Biocarbonate / carbonic acid - plasma, saliva, stomach and duodenum

• Phosphate - intracellulcar fluid compartments