Lab 4- Acid Base Buffers

Question 1

What is the function of buffers?

Answer 1

They resist large changes in pH when small amounts of acid o base are added.

Question 2

What is a buffer solution consisted of?

Answer 2

It is consisted of a weak acid and its corresponding conjugate base (or a weak base and its corresponding conjugate acid); the function of the acid is to neutralize the addition of base and the function of the base is to neutralize the addition of acid.

Question 3

What are the means of getting the corresponding conjugate into the solution?

Answer 3

One way is to add a salt containing the conjugate or to make the conjugate by titrations a weak acid (or base) with a strong acid (or base).

Question 4

Suppose you have the following formula: HA —-> (H+) + (A-). What will the addition of hydroxide do?

Answer 4

Since the hydroxide ion and the hydrogen ion neutralize one another, adding hydroxide is the same as removing a product. Thus, the system shifts towards the RIGHT by having HA form more hydrogen ions and A-.

Question 5

What is the Henderson-Hasselbach equation?

Answer 5

pH= pKa+ log (base/acid)