buffers

Question 1

what is a buffer solution?

Answer 1

maintains pH when a small amount of acid/ alkali is added

Question 2

what pH do acidic buffers maintain?

Answer 2

below 7

Question 3

what pH do basic buffers maintain?

Answer 3

above 7

Question 4

how do u make an acidic buffer?

Answer 4

weak acid and it’s salt (conjugate base)

Question 5

how do u make a basic buffer?

Answer 5

weak base and it’s salt (conjugate acid)

Question 6

what’s the 2nd way to make an acidic buffer?

Answer 6

by partially neutralising the weak acid

Question 7

describe how a buffer works when acid is added?

Answer 7

H+ reacts with the acid ion shifting the equilibrium to the left

Question 8

what’s the effect when a base is added?

Answer 8

lowers H+ concerntration so base dissociates to replace them. Equilibrium shifts to the right

Question 9

what are examples of everyday buffers ?

Answer 9

skin and hair products- have to match pH of skin and hair so it doesn’t cause any damage

Question 10

describe the buffer system in blood?

Answer 10

blood has to have a pH between 7.35-7.45

buffer system is made from carbonic acid in equilibrium with hydrogen carbonate

Question 11

what happens when blood pH becomes more acidic?

Answer 11

-there will be a higher H+ concerntration

• the resivour of HCO3- (conj base) will react with extra H+ ions shifting the equilibrium to the left

Question 12

what happens when the blood pH becomes more alkali?

Answer 12

-H+ concerntration drops
- large resivour of H2CO3 (weak acid) dissociates more and will move the equilibrium to the right replacing the H+ ions which have been taken out

Question 13

what happens if acidic materials are released into the blood?

Answer 13

H2CO3 dissociates to form H+ and CO2

which is taken to the lungs and breathed out