21 Buffers and neutralisation Flashcards
What is a buffer solution? (2 marks)
Buffers are solutions that can resist changes in pH, despite the addition of small quantities of acids or alkalis.
What is an acidic buffer? (1 mark)
A mixture of a weak acid and it’s conjugate base.
What happens if the conjugate base component of the buffer solution gets used up? (1 mark)
The buffer solution would not work for an acid.
Describe two ways in which buffer solutions can be prepared, and where the conjugate base comes from in each. (4 marks)
- Weak acid + one of its salts –> the salt is the source of the conjugate base.
- Weak acid (excess) + alkali –> The weak acid becomes partially neutralised by the alkali, forming the conjugate base.
Describe how a buffer solution counteracts a small amount of acid being added. (3 marks)
If an acid is added:
1. [H+] increases
2. H+ reacts with A-
3. Equilibrium position shifts to the left, removing most of the H+ ions
Describe how a buffer solution counteracts a small amount of alkali being added. (3 marks)
If an alkali is added:
1. [OH] increases
2. H+ reacts with OH-
3. HA dissociates. the equilibrium shifts to the right, restoring most of the H+
When is a buffer most effective? (1 mark)
When [HA(aq)] = [A-(aq)]
When [HA(aq)] = [A-(aq)], what is the value of pH? (1 mark)
pH = pKa of HA
How do you calculate the pH of a buffer solution prepared by mixing a weak acid and its salt? (3 marks)
- Rearrange the Ka expression:
[H+]= Ka x [HA]/[A-] - Use pH= -log[H+(aq)]
How do you calculate the pH of a buffer solution prepared by partial neutralisation? (3 marks)
- Find the excess moles of HA
- Use Ka expression (with [HA]= excess HA/volume)
- Use pH= -log[H+(aq)]
What is the really quick equation you can learn to calculate pH? (2 marks)
pH= pKa + log([A-]/[HA])
State the equilibrium equation for a buffer that contains equal concentrations of butanoic acid and sodium butanoate. (2 marks)
CH3(CH2)2COOH (aq) <—> H+ (aq) + CH3(CH2)2COO- (aq)
What pH does blood plasma need to be maintained at? (1 mark)
Between 7.35 and 7.45
How is pH of the blood maintained? (1 mark)
By a mixture of buffers.
What is the most important buffer system used to control the pH of the blood? (2 marks)
Carbonic acid and hydrogen carbonate ions.
H2CO3/HCO3-