Buffer Solutions

Question 1

What is a buffer solution?

Answer 1

A buffer solution is a solution with the ability to resist changes in pH when bases or acids are added. This occurs when a weak acid-conjugate base pair is present in the solution.

Question 2

Ethanoic acid/sodium ethanoate solution

Answer 2

CH3COOH(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ H3O+(aq) + CH3COO-(aq).

Question 3

Blood buffer system

Answer 3

Blood must maintain a pH of around 7.40 ± 0.05 to prevent enzymes from denaturing. It achieves this through the carbonic acid/hydrogencarbonate ion buffer system (H2CO3(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ H3O+(aq) + HCO3-(aq)). Carbonic acid is created through the addition of CO2 (from the lungs) and water. This means that when the brain detects unoptimal CO2 levels, breathing will be adjusted to be deeper or shallower and faster or slower to compensate.