Question

What is a buffer capacity?

Answer 1

Hint: It depends on the concentration of the components. It is an additive property which means that other acids or base systems are present that simply add up to the total buffer capacity.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
The buffer capacity of the buffer is the molar quantity of strong base (or strong acid).
It is a measure of a buffer’s ability to keep the pH stable in a narrow range. The expression to calculate the buffer capacity is shown below:
\[\beta = \dfrac{{\Delta n}}{{\Delta pH}}\]
Where \[\Delta n\]is a strong acid or base equivalent is added per volume of liters
\[\Delta pH\]is the change in pH
It is also a property of a buffer solution to resist change in its pH value.
 A buffer system contains both members of a conjugate acid or base pair (weak acid or base).
The reaction of the weak base with the Hydrogen ion \[({H^ + })\]to form the conjugate acid and the reaction of a weak acid with the Hydroxide ion \[\left( {O{H^ - }} \right)\]to form a conjugate base.
5. Some examples of acidic and basic buffers:
Acidic buffer: Benzoic acid and Sodium benzonate, Phosphoric acid and Sodium phosphate
Basic buffer: Ammonium chloride and Ammonium hydroxide, Potassium phosphate and Ammonium carbonate
Additional information:
1. Buffer action: The resistance offered by a buffer solution to change in pH on the addition of acid or base.
2. Acidic buffer solution: The formation of a solution with a weak acid and its salt with a strong base. For example, the buffer solution of Acetic acid and Sodium acetate when a strong base \[\left( {NaOH} \right)\].
3. Basic buffer solution: The formation of a solution with a weak base and its salt with a strong acid. For example, the buffer solution of Ammonium hydroxide and Ammonium chloride with the addition of strong acid \[\left( {HCl} \right)\].

Note: The amount of acid or base that can be added to a solution before the buffer is consumed and the pH changes significantly.