Buffers - MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Card 1 of 49
Which of the following would be most useful as a buffer?
Which of the following would be most useful as a buffer?
Tap to reveal answer
A buffer must contain either a weak base and its salt or a weak acid and its salt. A mixture of ammonia and ammonium chloride is an example of the first case, since ammonia, NH3, is a weak base and ammonium chloride, NH4Cl, contains its salt.
Though autoionization of water produces small amounts of H3O+ and OH-, each conjugate salts of H2O, they exist in such small amounts as to make any buffering effects negligible.
A buffer must contain either a weak base and its salt or a weak acid and its salt. A mixture of ammonia and ammonium chloride is an example of the first case, since ammonia, NH3, is a weak base and ammonium chloride, NH4Cl, contains its salt.
Though autoionization of water produces small amounts of H3O+ and OH-, each conjugate salts of H2O, they exist in such small amounts as to make any buffering effects negligible.
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Carbonic anhydrase is an important enzyme that allows CO2 and H2O to be converted into H2CO3. In addition to allowing CO2 to be dissolved into the blood and transported to the lungs for exhalation, the products of the carbonic anhydrase reaction, H2CO3 and a related compound HCO3-, also serve to control the pH of the blood to prevent acidosis or alkalosis. The carbonic anhydrase reaction and acid-base reaction are presented below.
CO2 + H2O 
H2CO3
H2CO3 
HCO3- + H+
HCO3- may be considered a(n) .
Carbonic anhydrase is an important enzyme that allows CO2 and H2O to be converted into H2CO3. In addition to allowing CO2 to be dissolved into the blood and transported to the lungs for exhalation, the products of the carbonic anhydrase reaction, H2CO3 and a related compound HCO3-, also serve to control the pH of the blood to prevent acidosis or alkalosis. The carbonic anhydrase reaction and acid-base reaction are presented below.
CO2 + H2O
H2CO3
HCO3- may be considered a(n) .
Tap to reveal answer
First, we need to determine from both the information presented in the paragraph and the chemical equation what HCO3- is doing. The paragraph tells us “HCO3- also \[serves\] to control the pH of the blood.” This is the definition of a buffer. A buffer is able to mitigate the addition of acid or base to a solution, or in this case, blood, by being deprotonated or protonated. For example, if the blood becomes too acidic, H+ will recombine with HCO3- to form H2CO3, thus stabilizing the pH. Alternatively, if the pH becomes too basic, H2CO3 will dissociate, releasing H+ into solution.
First, we need to determine from both the information presented in the paragraph and the chemical equation what HCO3- is doing. The paragraph tells us “HCO3- also \[serves\] to control the pH of the blood.” This is the definition of a buffer. A buffer is able to mitigate the addition of acid or base to a solution, or in this case, blood, by being deprotonated or protonated. For example, if the blood becomes too acidic, H+ will recombine with HCO3- to form H2CO3, thus stabilizing the pH. Alternatively, if the pH becomes too basic, H2CO3 will dissociate, releasing H+ into solution.
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HCN dissociates based on the following reaction:
The Ka for hydrogen cyanide is 
.
Two moles of HCN are mixed with one mole of NaCN, resulting in 1L of solution. What is the pH of the solution?
HCN dissociates based on the following reaction:
The Ka for hydrogen cyanide is
Two moles of HCN are mixed with one mole of NaCN, resulting in 1L of solution. What is the pH of the solution?
Tap to reveal answer
Whenever a concentration of the conjugate base is initially present in the solution, we say that the solution has been buffered. NaCN will completely dissolve in solution, meaning that there will be 1M of CN- ions in the solution initially (one mole of NaCN in 1L of soultion equals 1M). With this in mind, the new equilibrium equation for the acid's dissociation is as follows:
The initial concentrations of CN- and HCN are given in the question as 1M and 2M, respectively. The initial concentration of H+ is zero. As HCN begine to dissociate, H+ and CN- will each increase by X amount, while HCN will decrease by X amount.
Since 1M and 2M are much larger numbers than the value for X, the X values next to these numbers can be omitted from the equation.
By plugging this value into the equation 
, we determine that the pH of the solution is 8.9. (Remember that X is equal to the amount of increase in H+ ions).
This may seem wrong, because HCN is an acid, and we are used to acids resulting in solutions with pH values less than 7; however, HCN is a weak acid, and a large concentration of its conjugate base can result in a basic solution.
Whenever a concentration of the conjugate base is initially present in the solution, we say that the solution has been buffered. NaCN will completely dissolve in solution, meaning that there will be 1M of CN- ions in the solution initially (one mole of NaCN in 1L of soultion equals 1M). With this in mind, the new equilibrium equation for the acid's dissociation is as follows:
The initial concentrations of CN- and HCN are given in the question as 1M and 2M, respectively. The initial concentration of H+ is zero. As HCN begine to dissociate, H+ and CN- will each increase by X amount, while HCN will decrease by X amount.
Since 1M and 2M are much larger numbers than the value for X, the X values next to these numbers can be omitted from the equation.
By plugging this value into the equation
This may seem wrong, because HCN is an acid, and we are used to acids resulting in solutions with pH values less than 7; however, HCN is a weak acid, and a large concentration of its conjugate base can result in a basic solution.
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The pH of a buffered solution is 
. What is the approximate ratio of the concentration of acid to conjugate base if the 
of the acid is 
?
The pH of a buffered solution is
Tap to reveal answer
In a buffered solution, when the concentrations of acid and conjugate base are equal, we know the 
.
This is derived from the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation: 
.
When concentrations are equal, the log of 
is 
, and 
.
In our question, the pH is approximately one unit greater than the 
.
Because of this, we know that the log of the two concentrations must be equal to one.
The log of 
is 
, and therefore the conjugate base must be ten times greater than the acid; therefore the ratio of acid to base is approximately 
.
We can quickly narrow this question to two possible answers, since the buffered solution is more basic than the 
, and thus we would expect there to be a greater concentration of base than acid in the solution.
In a buffered solution, when the concentrations of acid and conjugate base are equal, we know the
This is derived from the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:
When concentrations are equal, the log of
In our question, the pH is approximately one unit greater than the
Because of this, we know that the log of the two concentrations must be equal to one.
The log of
We can quickly narrow this question to two possible answers, since the buffered solution is more basic than the
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Acids and bases can be described in three principal ways. The Arrhenius definition is the most restrictive. It limits acids and bases to species that donate protons and hydroxide ions in solution, respectively. Examples of such acids include HCl and HBr, while KOH and NaOH are examples of bases. When in aqueous solution, these acids proceed to an equilibrium state through a dissociation reaction.
All of the bases proceed in a similar fashion.
The Brønsted-Lowry definition of an acid is a more inclusive approach. All Arrhenius acids and bases are also Brønsted-Lowry acids and bases, but the converse is not true. Brønsted-Lowry acids still reach equilibrium through the same dissociation reaction as Arrhenius acids, but the acid character is defined by different parameters. The Brønsted-Lowry definition considers bases to be hydroxide donors, like the Arrhenius definition, but also includes conjugate bases such as the A- in the above reaction. In the reverse reaction, A- accepts the proton to regenerate HA. The Brønsted-Lowry definition thus defines bases as proton acceptors, and acids as proton donors.
A scientist is making a buffer to maintain the pH of a solution at about 6. Which of the following describes the best composition of the solution?
Acids and bases can be described in three principal ways. The Arrhenius definition is the most restrictive. It limits acids and bases to species that donate protons and hydroxide ions in solution, respectively. Examples of such acids include HCl and HBr, while KOH and NaOH are examples of bases. When in aqueous solution, these acids proceed to an equilibrium state through a dissociation reaction.
All of the bases proceed in a similar fashion.
The Brønsted-Lowry definition of an acid is a more inclusive approach. All Arrhenius acids and bases are also Brønsted-Lowry acids and bases, but the converse is not true. Brønsted-Lowry acids still reach equilibrium through the same dissociation reaction as Arrhenius acids, but the acid character is defined by different parameters. The Brønsted-Lowry definition considers bases to be hydroxide donors, like the Arrhenius definition, but also includes conjugate bases such as the A- in the above reaction. In the reverse reaction, A- accepts the proton to regenerate HA. The Brønsted-Lowry definition thus defines bases as proton acceptors, and acids as proton donors.
A scientist is making a buffer to maintain the pH of a solution at about 6. Which of the following describes the best composition of the solution?
Tap to reveal answer
A buffer is best made of equal and copious amounts of an acid and its conjugate base. The acid must have a pKa as close as possible to the pH desired. For this question, the desired pH is 6. The best option will have a pKa of about 5.9.
Adding larger amounts of the acid than the base will skew the equilibrium in favor of the acid, increasing the overall proton concentration, and limiting the buffer ability to absorb more proton addition without changing pH significantly.
A buffer is best made of equal and copious amounts of an acid and its conjugate base. The acid must have a pKa as close as possible to the pH desired. For this question, the desired pH is 6. The best option will have a pKa of about 5.9.
Adding larger amounts of the acid than the base will skew the equilibrium in favor of the acid, increasing the overall proton concentration, and limiting the buffer ability to absorb more proton addition without changing pH significantly.
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Which of the following would be a good buffer solution?
Which of the following would be a good buffer solution?
Tap to reveal answer
A good buffer solution consists of a weak acid with its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. A strong acid or base will never be a good buffer. We will go through each answer choice in detail.
Sulfuric acid is a strong acid and cannot be used in a buffer.
Neither sodium chloride, nor calcium chloride constitute a weak acid or weak base. Both of these are simple salts and will not be able to create a buffer solution.
Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid and cannot be used in a buffer.
In solution, these salts will produce sulfate ions and hydrogen sulfate ions. Hydrogen sulfate is a weak acid and sulfate is its conjugate base. These ions will form a buffer solution.
A good buffer solution consists of a weak acid with its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. A strong acid or base will never be a good buffer. We will go through each answer choice in detail.
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Which of the following pairs cannot constitute a buffer system?
Which of the following pairs cannot constitute a buffer system?
Tap to reveal answer
A buffer system is composed of one of the following scenarios:
1. A weak base with its conjugate acid.
2. A weak acid with its conjugate base.
The only option that does not qualify is the nitrate, nitrite pair. A difference of one oxygen does not make a buffer system.
A buffer system is composed of one of the following scenarios:
1. A weak base with its conjugate acid.
2. A weak acid with its conjugate base.
The only option that does not qualify is the nitrate, nitrite pair. A difference of one oxygen does not make a buffer system.
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Which of the following would be most useful as a buffer?
Which of the following would be most useful as a buffer?
Tap to reveal answer
A buffer must contain either a weak base and its salt or a weak acid and its salt. A mixture of ammonia and ammonium chloride is an example of the first case, since ammonia, NH3, is a weak base and ammonium chloride, NH4Cl, contains its salt.
Though autoionization of water produces small amounts of H3O+ and OH-, each conjugate salts of H2O, they exist in such small amounts as to make any buffering effects negligible.
A buffer must contain either a weak base and its salt or a weak acid and its salt. A mixture of ammonia and ammonium chloride is an example of the first case, since ammonia, NH3, is a weak base and ammonium chloride, NH4Cl, contains its salt.
Though autoionization of water produces small amounts of H3O+ and OH-, each conjugate salts of H2O, they exist in such small amounts as to make any buffering effects negligible.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Carbonic anhydrase is an important enzyme that allows CO2 and H2O to be converted into H2CO3. In addition to allowing CO2 to be dissolved into the blood and transported to the lungs for exhalation, the products of the carbonic anhydrase reaction, H2CO3 and a related compound HCO3-, also serve to control the pH of the blood to prevent acidosis or alkalosis. The carbonic anhydrase reaction and acid-base reaction are presented below.
CO2 + H2O H2CO3
H2CO3 HCO3- + H+
HCO3- may be considered a(n) .
Carbonic anhydrase is an important enzyme that allows CO2 and H2O to be converted into H2CO3. In addition to allowing CO2 to be dissolved into the blood and transported to the lungs for exhalation, the products of the carbonic anhydrase reaction, H2CO3 and a related compound HCO3-, also serve to control the pH of the blood to prevent acidosis or alkalosis. The carbonic anhydrase reaction and acid-base reaction are presented below.
CO2 + H2O
H2CO3
HCO3- may be considered a(n) .
Tap to reveal answer
First, we need to determine from both the information presented in the paragraph and the chemical equation what HCO3- is doing. The paragraph tells us “HCO3- also \[serves\] to control the pH of the blood.” This is the definition of a buffer. A buffer is able to mitigate the addition of acid or base to a solution, or in this case, blood, by being deprotonated or protonated. For example, if the blood becomes too acidic, H+ will recombine with HCO3- to form H2CO3, thus stabilizing the pH. Alternatively, if the pH becomes too basic, H2CO3 will dissociate, releasing H+ into solution.
First, we need to determine from both the information presented in the paragraph and the chemical equation what HCO3- is doing. The paragraph tells us “HCO3- also \[serves\] to control the pH of the blood.” This is the definition of a buffer. A buffer is able to mitigate the addition of acid or base to a solution, or in this case, blood, by being deprotonated or protonated. For example, if the blood becomes too acidic, H+ will recombine with HCO3- to form H2CO3, thus stabilizing the pH. Alternatively, if the pH becomes too basic, H2CO3 will dissociate, releasing H+ into solution.
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HCN dissociates based on the following reaction:
The Ka for hydrogen cyanide is .
Two moles of HCN are mixed with one mole of NaCN, resulting in 1L of solution. What is the pH of the solution?
HCN dissociates based on the following reaction:
The Ka for hydrogen cyanide is
Two moles of HCN are mixed with one mole of NaCN, resulting in 1L of solution. What is the pH of the solution?
Tap to reveal answer
Whenever a concentration of the conjugate base is initially present in the solution, we say that the solution has been buffered. NaCN will completely dissolve in solution, meaning that there will be 1M of CN- ions in the solution initially (one mole of NaCN in 1L of soultion equals 1M). With this in mind, the new equilibrium equation for the acid's dissociation is as follows:
The initial concentrations of CN- and HCN are given in the question as 1M and 2M, respectively. The initial concentration of H+ is zero. As HCN begine to dissociate, H+ and CN- will each increase by X amount, while HCN will decrease by X amount.
Since 1M and 2M are much larger numbers than the value for X, the X values next to these numbers can be omitted from the equation.
By plugging this value into the equation , we determine that the pH of the solution is 8.9. (Remember that X is equal to the amount of increase in H+ ions).
This may seem wrong, because HCN is an acid, and we are used to acids resulting in solutions with pH values less than 7; however, HCN is a weak acid, and a large concentration of its conjugate base can result in a basic solution.
Whenever a concentration of the conjugate base is initially present in the solution, we say that the solution has been buffered. NaCN will completely dissolve in solution, meaning that there will be 1M of CN- ions in the solution initially (one mole of NaCN in 1L of soultion equals 1M). With this in mind, the new equilibrium equation for the acid's dissociation is as follows:
The initial concentrations of CN- and HCN are given in the question as 1M and 2M, respectively. The initial concentration of H+ is zero. As HCN begine to dissociate, H+ and CN- will each increase by X amount, while HCN will decrease by X amount.
Since 1M and 2M are much larger numbers than the value for X, the X values next to these numbers can be omitted from the equation.
By plugging this value into the equation
This may seem wrong, because HCN is an acid, and we are used to acids resulting in solutions with pH values less than 7; however, HCN is a weak acid, and a large concentration of its conjugate base can result in a basic solution.
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The pH of a buffered solution is . What is the approximate ratio of the concentration of acid to conjugate base if the of the acid is ?
The pH of a buffered solution is
Tap to reveal answer
In a buffered solution, when the concentrations of acid and conjugate base are equal, we know the .
This is derived from the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation: .
When concentrations are equal, the log of is , and .
In our question, the pH is approximately one unit greater than the .
Because of this, we know that the log of the two concentrations must be equal to one.
The log of is , and therefore the conjugate base must be ten times greater than the acid; therefore the ratio of acid to base is approximately .
We can quickly narrow this question to two possible answers, since the buffered solution is more basic than the , and thus we would expect there to be a greater concentration of base than acid in the solution.
In a buffered solution, when the concentrations of acid and conjugate base are equal, we know the
This is derived from the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:
When concentrations are equal, the log of
In our question, the pH is approximately one unit greater than the
Because of this, we know that the log of the two concentrations must be equal to one.
The log of
We can quickly narrow this question to two possible answers, since the buffered solution is more basic than the
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Acids and bases can be described in three principal ways. The Arrhenius definition is the most restrictive. It limits acids and bases to species that donate protons and hydroxide ions in solution, respectively. Examples of such acids include HCl and HBr, while KOH and NaOH are examples of bases. When in aqueous solution, these acids proceed to an equilibrium state through a dissociation reaction.
All of the bases proceed in a similar fashion.
The Brønsted-Lowry definition of an acid is a more inclusive approach. All Arrhenius acids and bases are also Brønsted-Lowry acids and bases, but the converse is not true. Brønsted-Lowry acids still reach equilibrium through the same dissociation reaction as Arrhenius acids, but the acid character is defined by different parameters. The Brønsted-Lowry definition considers bases to be hydroxide donors, like the Arrhenius definition, but also includes conjugate bases such as the A- in the above reaction. In the reverse reaction, A- accepts the proton to regenerate HA. The Brønsted-Lowry definition thus defines bases as proton acceptors, and acids as proton donors.
A scientist is making a buffer to maintain the pH of a solution at about 6. Which of the following describes the best composition of the solution?
Acids and bases can be described in three principal ways. The Arrhenius definition is the most restrictive. It limits acids and bases to species that donate protons and hydroxide ions in solution, respectively. Examples of such acids include HCl and HBr, while KOH and NaOH are examples of bases. When in aqueous solution, these acids proceed to an equilibrium state through a dissociation reaction.
All of the bases proceed in a similar fashion.
The Brønsted-Lowry definition of an acid is a more inclusive approach. All Arrhenius acids and bases are also Brønsted-Lowry acids and bases, but the converse is not true. Brønsted-Lowry acids still reach equilibrium through the same dissociation reaction as Arrhenius acids, but the acid character is defined by different parameters. The Brønsted-Lowry definition considers bases to be hydroxide donors, like the Arrhenius definition, but also includes conjugate bases such as the A- in the above reaction. In the reverse reaction, A- accepts the proton to regenerate HA. The Brønsted-Lowry definition thus defines bases as proton acceptors, and acids as proton donors.
A scientist is making a buffer to maintain the pH of a solution at about 6. Which of the following describes the best composition of the solution?
Tap to reveal answer
A buffer is best made of equal and copious amounts of an acid and its conjugate base. The acid must have a pKa as close as possible to the pH desired. For this question, the desired pH is 6. The best option will have a pKa of about 5.9.
Adding larger amounts of the acid than the base will skew the equilibrium in favor of the acid, increasing the overall proton concentration, and limiting the buffer ability to absorb more proton addition without changing pH significantly.
A buffer is best made of equal and copious amounts of an acid and its conjugate base. The acid must have a pKa as close as possible to the pH desired. For this question, the desired pH is 6. The best option will have a pKa of about 5.9.
Adding larger amounts of the acid than the base will skew the equilibrium in favor of the acid, increasing the overall proton concentration, and limiting the buffer ability to absorb more proton addition without changing pH significantly.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which of the following would be a good buffer solution?
Which of the following would be a good buffer solution?
Tap to reveal answer
A good buffer solution consists of a weak acid with its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. A strong acid or base will never be a good buffer. We will go through each answer choice in detail.
Sulfuric acid is a strong acid and cannot be used in a buffer.
Neither sodium chloride, nor calcium chloride constitute a weak acid or weak base. Both of these are simple salts and will not be able to create a buffer solution.
Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid and cannot be used in a buffer.
In solution, these salts will produce sulfate ions and hydrogen sulfate ions. Hydrogen sulfate is a weak acid and sulfate is its conjugate base. These ions will form a buffer solution.
A good buffer solution consists of a weak acid with its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. A strong acid or base will never be a good buffer. We will go through each answer choice in detail.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which of the following pairs cannot constitute a buffer system?
Which of the following pairs cannot constitute a buffer system?
Tap to reveal answer
A buffer system is composed of one of the following scenarios:
1. A weak base with its conjugate acid.
2. A weak acid with its conjugate base.
The only option that does not qualify is the nitrate, nitrite pair. A difference of one oxygen does not make a buffer system.
A buffer system is composed of one of the following scenarios:
1. A weak base with its conjugate acid.
2. A weak acid with its conjugate base.
The only option that does not qualify is the nitrate, nitrite pair. A difference of one oxygen does not make a buffer system.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Which of the following would be most useful as a buffer?
Which of the following would be most useful as a buffer?
Tap to reveal answer
A buffer must contain either a weak base and its salt or a weak acid and its salt. A mixture of ammonia and ammonium chloride is an example of the first case, since ammonia, NH3, is a weak base and ammonium chloride, NH4Cl, contains its salt.
Though autoionization of water produces small amounts of H3O+ and OH-, each conjugate salts of H2O, they exist in such small amounts as to make any buffering effects negligible.
A buffer must contain either a weak base and its salt or a weak acid and its salt. A mixture of ammonia and ammonium chloride is an example of the first case, since ammonia, NH3, is a weak base and ammonium chloride, NH4Cl, contains its salt.
Though autoionization of water produces small amounts of H3O+ and OH-, each conjugate salts of H2O, they exist in such small amounts as to make any buffering effects negligible.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Carbonic anhydrase is an important enzyme that allows CO2 and H2O to be converted into H2CO3. In addition to allowing CO2 to be dissolved into the blood and transported to the lungs for exhalation, the products of the carbonic anhydrase reaction, H2CO3 and a related compound HCO3-, also serve to control the pH of the blood to prevent acidosis or alkalosis. The carbonic anhydrase reaction and acid-base reaction are presented below.
CO2 + H2O H2CO3
H2CO3 HCO3- + H+
HCO3- may be considered a(n) .
Carbonic anhydrase is an important enzyme that allows CO2 and H2O to be converted into H2CO3. In addition to allowing CO2 to be dissolved into the blood and transported to the lungs for exhalation, the products of the carbonic anhydrase reaction, H2CO3 and a related compound HCO3-, also serve to control the pH of the blood to prevent acidosis or alkalosis. The carbonic anhydrase reaction and acid-base reaction are presented below.
CO2 + H2O
H2CO3
HCO3- may be considered a(n) .
Tap to reveal answer
First, we need to determine from both the information presented in the paragraph and the chemical equation what HCO3- is doing. The paragraph tells us “HCO3- also \[serves\] to control the pH of the blood.” This is the definition of a buffer. A buffer is able to mitigate the addition of acid or base to a solution, or in this case, blood, by being deprotonated or protonated. For example, if the blood becomes too acidic, H+ will recombine with HCO3- to form H2CO3, thus stabilizing the pH. Alternatively, if the pH becomes too basic, H2CO3 will dissociate, releasing H+ into solution.
First, we need to determine from both the information presented in the paragraph and the chemical equation what HCO3- is doing. The paragraph tells us “HCO3- also \[serves\] to control the pH of the blood.” This is the definition of a buffer. A buffer is able to mitigate the addition of acid or base to a solution, or in this case, blood, by being deprotonated or protonated. For example, if the blood becomes too acidic, H+ will recombine with HCO3- to form H2CO3, thus stabilizing the pH. Alternatively, if the pH becomes too basic, H2CO3 will dissociate, releasing H+ into solution.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
HCN dissociates based on the following reaction:
The Ka for hydrogen cyanide is .
Two moles of HCN are mixed with one mole of NaCN, resulting in 1L of solution. What is the pH of the solution?
HCN dissociates based on the following reaction:
The Ka for hydrogen cyanide is
Two moles of HCN are mixed with one mole of NaCN, resulting in 1L of solution. What is the pH of the solution?
Tap to reveal answer
Whenever a concentration of the conjugate base is initially present in the solution, we say that the solution has been buffered. NaCN will completely dissolve in solution, meaning that there will be 1M of CN- ions in the solution initially (one mole of NaCN in 1L of soultion equals 1M). With this in mind, the new equilibrium equation for the acid's dissociation is as follows:
The initial concentrations of CN- and HCN are given in the question as 1M and 2M, respectively. The initial concentration of H+ is zero. As HCN begine to dissociate, H+ and CN- will each increase by X amount, while HCN will decrease by X amount.
Since 1M and 2M are much larger numbers than the value for X, the X values next to these numbers can be omitted from the equation.
By plugging this value into the equation , we determine that the pH of the solution is 8.9. (Remember that X is equal to the amount of increase in H+ ions).
This may seem wrong, because HCN is an acid, and we are used to acids resulting in solutions with pH values less than 7; however, HCN is a weak acid, and a large concentration of its conjugate base can result in a basic solution.
Whenever a concentration of the conjugate base is initially present in the solution, we say that the solution has been buffered. NaCN will completely dissolve in solution, meaning that there will be 1M of CN- ions in the solution initially (one mole of NaCN in 1L of soultion equals 1M). With this in mind, the new equilibrium equation for the acid's dissociation is as follows:
The initial concentrations of CN- and HCN are given in the question as 1M and 2M, respectively. The initial concentration of H+ is zero. As HCN begine to dissociate, H+ and CN- will each increase by X amount, while HCN will decrease by X amount.
Since 1M and 2M are much larger numbers than the value for X, the X values next to these numbers can be omitted from the equation.
By plugging this value into the equation
This may seem wrong, because HCN is an acid, and we are used to acids resulting in solutions with pH values less than 7; however, HCN is a weak acid, and a large concentration of its conjugate base can result in a basic solution.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
The pH of a buffered solution is . What is the approximate ratio of the concentration of acid to conjugate base if the of the acid is ?
The pH of a buffered solution is
Tap to reveal answer
In a buffered solution, when the concentrations of acid and conjugate base are equal, we know the .
This is derived from the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation: .
When concentrations are equal, the log of is , and .
In our question, the pH is approximately one unit greater than the .
Because of this, we know that the log of the two concentrations must be equal to one.
The log of is , and therefore the conjugate base must be ten times greater than the acid; therefore the ratio of acid to base is approximately .
We can quickly narrow this question to two possible answers, since the buffered solution is more basic than the , and thus we would expect there to be a greater concentration of base than acid in the solution.
In a buffered solution, when the concentrations of acid and conjugate base are equal, we know the
This is derived from the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:
When concentrations are equal, the log of
In our question, the pH is approximately one unit greater than the
Because of this, we know that the log of the two concentrations must be equal to one.
The log of
We can quickly narrow this question to two possible answers, since the buffered solution is more basic than the
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
Acids and bases can be described in three principal ways. The Arrhenius definition is the most restrictive. It limits acids and bases to species that donate protons and hydroxide ions in solution, respectively. Examples of such acids include HCl and HBr, while KOH and NaOH are examples of bases. When in aqueous solution, these acids proceed to an equilibrium state through a dissociation reaction.
All of the bases proceed in a similar fashion.
The Brønsted-Lowry definition of an acid is a more inclusive approach. All Arrhenius acids and bases are also Brønsted-Lowry acids and bases, but the converse is not true. Brønsted-Lowry acids still reach equilibrium through the same dissociation reaction as Arrhenius acids, but the acid character is defined by different parameters. The Brønsted-Lowry definition considers bases to be hydroxide donors, like the Arrhenius definition, but also includes conjugate bases such as the A- in the above reaction. In the reverse reaction, A- accepts the proton to regenerate HA. The Brønsted-Lowry definition thus defines bases as proton acceptors, and acids as proton donors.
A scientist is making a buffer to maintain the pH of a solution at about 6. Which of the following describes the best composition of the solution?
Acids and bases can be described in three principal ways. The Arrhenius definition is the most restrictive. It limits acids and bases to species that donate protons and hydroxide ions in solution, respectively. Examples of such acids include HCl and HBr, while KOH and NaOH are examples of bases. When in aqueous solution, these acids proceed to an equilibrium state through a dissociation reaction.
All of the bases proceed in a similar fashion.
The Brønsted-Lowry definition of an acid is a more inclusive approach. All Arrhenius acids and bases are also Brønsted-Lowry acids and bases, but the converse is not true. Brønsted-Lowry acids still reach equilibrium through the same dissociation reaction as Arrhenius acids, but the acid character is defined by different parameters. The Brønsted-Lowry definition considers bases to be hydroxide donors, like the Arrhenius definition, but also includes conjugate bases such as the A- in the above reaction. In the reverse reaction, A- accepts the proton to regenerate HA. The Brønsted-Lowry definition thus defines bases as proton acceptors, and acids as proton donors.
A scientist is making a buffer to maintain the pH of a solution at about 6. Which of the following describes the best composition of the solution?
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A buffer is best made of equal and copious amounts of an acid and its conjugate base. The acid must have a pKa as close as possible to the pH desired. For this question, the desired pH is 6. The best option will have a pKa of about 5.9.
Adding larger amounts of the acid than the base will skew the equilibrium in favor of the acid, increasing the overall proton concentration, and limiting the buffer ability to absorb more proton addition without changing pH significantly.
A buffer is best made of equal and copious amounts of an acid and its conjugate base. The acid must have a pKa as close as possible to the pH desired. For this question, the desired pH is 6. The best option will have a pKa of about 5.9.
Adding larger amounts of the acid than the base will skew the equilibrium in favor of the acid, increasing the overall proton concentration, and limiting the buffer ability to absorb more proton addition without changing pH significantly.
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Which of the following would be a good buffer solution?
Which of the following would be a good buffer solution?
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A good buffer solution consists of a weak acid with its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. A strong acid or base will never be a good buffer. We will go through each answer choice in detail.
Sulfuric acid is a strong acid and cannot be used in a buffer.
Neither sodium chloride, nor calcium chloride constitute a weak acid or weak base. Both of these are simple salts and will not be able to create a buffer solution.
Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid and cannot be used in a buffer.
In solution, these salts will produce sulfate ions and hydrogen sulfate ions. Hydrogen sulfate is a weak acid and sulfate is its conjugate base. These ions will form a buffer solution.
A good buffer solution consists of a weak acid with its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. A strong acid or base will never be a good buffer. We will go through each answer choice in detail.
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