Buffers

Question 1

Describe the solution when the pH is greater than the pKa

Answer 1

 If the pH is greater than the pKa, the majority will be in the deprotonated (basic) form

Question 2

How will the pH relate to the pKa when a 1:1 ratio of conjugates is used?

Answer 2

pH = pKa

Question 3

What part of the buffer neutralizes any strong acid?

Answer 3

deprotonated form

Question 4

What part of the buffer neutralizes any strong base?

Answer 4

protonated form

Question 5

Define buffer

Answer 5

A buffer is a solution that contains substantial amounts of a compound in both its protonated and deprotonated form. As a result, buffer solutions are resistant to pH changes

Question 6

How will the pH relate to the pKa when a ratio favoring the conjugate acid is used?

Answer 6

pH < pKa

Question 7

What is the total amount of acid or base that can be added to the buffer before neutralizing all of one of the forms of the compound?

Answer 7

buffer capacity

Question 8

Describe the solution when the pH is less than the pKa

Answer 8

 If the pH is less than the pKa, the solution is “too acidic” and the majority of the compound will be in the protonated (acidic) form

Question 9

How will the pH relate to the pKa when a ratio favoring the conjugate base is used?

Answer 9

pH > pKa

Question 10

Define buffer capacity

Answer 10

the total amount of acid or base that can be added to the buffer before neutralizing all of one of the forms of the compound