21.1 Buffer Solutions

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Total cards: 8•Content version: v4•Public deck•Updated: 8/1/2026

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Front (Question)

What is a buffer solution?

Back (Answer)

System which minimises pH changes on addition of small amounts of acid/base

Front (Question)

What are the components of a buffer?

Back (Answer)

• Weak acid • It’s conjugate base

Front (Question)

In which 2 ways can you prepare a weak acid buffer solution?

Back (Answer)

• Weak acid + salt • Partial neutralisation of weak acid

Front (Question)

How can you prepare a weak acid buffer solution from a weak acid and it’s salt?

Back (Answer)

• Obtain weak acid • Obtain conjugate base from salt of weak acid. CH3COONa ⟶ CH3COO-(aq) + Na+(aq)

Front (Question)

How can you prepare a weak acid buffer solution from partial neutralisation?

Back (Answer)

• Obtain weak acid • Partially neutralise using base to obtain salt, which can be used as base. AH + NaOH ⟶ ANa + H2O (partial)

Front (Question)

How does adding small amounts of acid affect the equilibrium of a weak acid buffer solution?

Back (Answer)

[H+] increases more H+ react with conjugate base, A- equilibrium shifts to left (∵ backward reaction favoured)

Front (Question)

How does adding small amounts of alkali affect the equilibrium of a weak acid buffer solution?

Back (Answer)

[OH-(aq)] increases OH- react with H+ equilibrium shifts to right (∵ forward reaction favoured) to restore [H+(aq)]

Front (Question)

How can you find the pH of a solution using the acid dissociation constant?

Back (Answer)