What is Buffer Solution?
A buffer is a solution that resists pH changes when acidic or basic substances are added. It may neutralise little amounts of added acid or base, hence maintaining a somewhat steady pH in the solution. This is essential for processes and/or reactions that require stable pH ranges and this mechanism is known as buffer action.
The pH range and capacity of buffer solutions determine how much acid/base can be neutralised before the pH changes and how much the pH will change.
What is the composition of a buffer?
A buffer must be composed of either a. a weak acid and its conjugate base, or b. a weak base and its conjugate acid, in order to successfully maintain a pH range. When producing a buffer, the usage of one or the other is determined only by the desired pH. For instance, the following substances in the solution could operate as buffers:
Acetic acid (weak organic acid with the formula CH3COOH) and its conjugate base, the acetate anion (CH3COO-), such as sodium acetate (CH3COONa)
Pyridine (weak base with the formula C5H5N) and a salt containing its conjugate acid, the pyridinium cation (C5H5NH+), for instance, Pyridinium Chloride.
Ammonia (weak base with the formula NH3) and a salt containing its conjugate acid, the ammonium cation, such as Ammonium Hydroxide, are ionic compounds (NH4OH)
Buffer solution examples in real life
Buffers are commonly employed in daily life:
- For instance, rash-preventing baby lotions are buffered
- The development of bacteria is buffered to maintain a pH level of 6.
- Frequently, laundry detergents contain buffers that keep their components from degrading.
- Blood in the human body is buffered at pH 7.4, even though we consume a large amount of weak acid and base.
Characteristics of buffer solution
The following are characteristics of buffer solution:
- It has certain pH requirements. Even after prolonged storage, its pH remains unchanged.
- The pH value of the solution does not change upon dilution. In addition, the solution does not change when a small amount of acid or base is added. A solution that resists pH change and contains a little amount of acid or base is a buffer solution.
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What is Buffer action?
Types of Buffer Solutions
The two main types of buffers are acidic and basic (alkaline) buffer solutions.
Acidic Buffer
Solutions with a pH below 7 that contain a weak acid and one of its salts are acidic buffers. For instance, a mixture of acetic acid and sodium acetate with a pH of around 4.75 functions as a buffer solution.
Basic Buffer
Basic buffers have a pH greater than 7 and consist of a weak base and one of its salts. For instance, a mixture of ammonium chloride and ammonium hydroxide with a pH of around 9.25 functions as a buffer solution. Numerous substances are pH-maintained with the use of buffer solutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions-FAQ
What is buffer solution and give example?
When a small amount of a strong acid or strong base is given to a buffer solution, the pH remains stable. A solution of acetic acid and sodium acetate, CH3COOH + CH3COONa, is an example of a weak acid and its salt buffer.
Do buffer solutions have a constant pH?
The buffer range is the pH range within which a buffer neutralises added acids and bases while maintaining a reasonably constant pH.
How many types of buffer solutions are there?
There are two kinds of buffer solutions: acidic and basic.
An acidic buffer solution consists of weak acid and its salts including strong bases. For example, a solution containing the weak acid CH3COOH and its salt CH3COONa is an acidic buffer solution.
A solution comprising a weak base and its salts of strong acids is known as a basic buffer solution. E.g., A solution containing NH4OH as a weak base and its salt, NH4CL, is an essential buffer solution.
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