Understanding Buffer Solutions

What is a buffer solution?

• A buffer solution is a type of solid that absorbs moisture from the air.

• A buffer solution is a solution that changes pH dramatically when acids or bases are added.

• A buffer solution is a solution that maintains a relatively constant pH when small amounts of acid or base are added.

• A buffer solution is a mixture of two gases that maintains temperature stability.

How does a buffer solution maintain pH?

• A buffer solution maintains pH by absorbing excess heat from the reaction.

• A buffer solution maintains pH by neutralizing added acids or bases through the reaction of its weak acid and conjugate base.

• A buffer solution changes pH by diluting the acids or bases added.

• A buffer solution maintains pH by increasing the concentration of strong acids.

What are the components of a typical buffer solution?

• Strong acid and its conjugate base

• Salt and water

• Weak acid and strong base

• Weak acid and its conjugate base, or weak base and its conjugate acid.

Give an example of a weak acid used in buffer solutions.

• Acetic acid

• Hydrochloric acid

• Sulfuric acid

• Nitric acid

What is the role of a conjugate base in a buffer?

• The conjugate base only reacts with bases to maintain pH.

• The conjugate base increases acidity in a buffer.

• The conjugate base has no effect on pH levels.

• The role of a conjugate base in a buffer is to react with added acids to maintain pH stability.

How do buffer solutions resist changes in pH?

• Buffer solutions only work at high concentrations of acids or bases.

• Buffer solutions are ineffective in pure water.

• Buffer solutions change pH by diluting acids or bases.

• Buffer solutions resist changes in pH by neutralizing added acids or bases.

What is the pH range in which most buffer solutions are effective?

• pH 6 to 8

• pH 8 to 10

• pH 4 to 6

• pH 2 to 4

Name a common buffer used in biological systems.

• Phosphate buffer

• Boric acid

• Acetic acid

• Sodium chloride

What happens to a buffer solution when a strong acid is added?

• The buffer solution remains unchanged.

• The buffer solution becomes neutral immediately.

• The pH of the buffer solution decreases slightly.

• The pH of the buffer solution increases significantly.

What happens to a buffer solution when a strong base is added?

• The pH of the buffer solution increases dramatically.

• The buffer solution resists significant changes in pH.

• The buffer solution changes color instantly.

• The buffer solution becomes acidic immediately.