acid–base equilibria

Question

Which statement about buffer capacity is correct?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Buffer Capacity**: A measure of the ability of a buffer to resist changes in $pH$ upon addition of small amounts of strong acid or base.
2. **Concentration Dependence**: A buffer with $1.0$ M components has a much higher capacity than a buffer with $0.01$ M components because there is more 'reserve' acid/base to react.
3. **Optimal pH**: Buffer capacity is **maximum** when $[Acid] = [Base]$ (i.e., when $pH = pK_a$).
4. **Buffer Range**: Usually considered effective within $pH = pK_a \pm 1$.
5. **Summary**: A more concentrated buffer is 'stronger' and has a higher capacity.

Rank Guru

acid–base equilibria

Select the correct option:

More acid–base equilibria Practice Questions

Which change increases the pH of an acetic acid/sodium acetate buffer the most?

The percent dissociation of a 1.0×10⁻³ M solution of a weak monoprotic acid (Ka = 1.0×10⁻⁵) is appro...

Calculate [H+] (in mol L⁻¹) after mixing 25 mL of 0.040 M HCl with 75 mL of water (assume volumes ad...

The conjugate acid of (CH3)3 N is:

Which factor most strongly determines whether an amphoteric species acts as an acid or a base in wat...

A 0.10 M solution of a weak base B has Kb = 2.5×10⁻⁴. The pOH of the solution is approximately: