Chemistry I / Buffers, Hydrolysis and Titration
Practice question · Select all that apply

Which are true of an effective buffer solution?

Hints
  1. Three describe how buffers work; one overstates what they can do.
  2. Capacity is finite and set by how much of each component is present.
Show the answer
  • A. It contains a weak acid and its conjugate base in comparable amounts
  • B. Its pH is close to the pKa of the weak acid
  • C. Its pH is almost unchanged by moderate dilution
Why

A buffer needs both partners in comparable amounts, works best near the pKa\mathrm{p}K_a, and survives dilution because only the ratio matters. Its capacity is strictly finite, and once exhausted the pH moves abruptly.

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