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Chapter 17: Problem 1

Define buffer solution.

Short Answer

Expert verified
A buffer solution is a chemical solution that resists changes in pH levels when small amounts of acids or bases are added, or when diluted. It is composed of a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid, accordingly providing stability and can neutralize both acids and bases.

Step by step solution

01

Definition

A Buffer solution or chemical buffer is a particular type of solution that has the capability to resist changes in pH levels when a small amount of acid or base is added to it or when the solution is diluted. These solutions are used in various chemical and biological experiments and processes.
02

Components

A buffer solution is typically composed of either a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid. This combination allows the solution to effectively neutralize both incoming acids and bases.
03

Function

The primary function of a buffer solution is to prevent drastic changes in the pH of a solution, thus providing an environment that allows various biological and chemical processes to take place under stable and predictable conditions.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Give an example to illustrate the general effect of complex ion formation on solubility.

A 1.0 -L saturated silver carbonate solution at \(5^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) is treated with enough hydrochloric acid to decompose the compound. The carbon dioxide generated is collected in a \(19-\mathrm{mL}\) vial and exerts a pressure of \(114 \mathrm{mmHg}\) at \(25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\). What is the \(K_{\mathrm{sp}}\) of \(\mathrm{Ag}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}\) at \(5^{\circ} \mathrm{C} ?\)

Calculate \(x\), the number of molecules of water in oxalic acid hydrate, \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{4} \cdot x \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O},\) from the following data: \(5.00 \mathrm{~g}\) of the compound is made up to exactly \(250 \mathrm{~mL}\) solution and \(25.0 \mathrm{~mL}\) of this solution requires \(15.9 \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.500 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{NaOH}\) solution for neutralization.

How many grams of \(\mathrm{CaCO}_{3}\) will dissolve in \(3.0 \times\) \(10^{2} \mathrm{~mL}\) of \(0.050 \mathrm{M} \mathrm{Ca}\left(\mathrm{NO}_{3}\right)_{2} ?\)

\(\mathrm{Cd}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}\) is an insoluble compound. It dissolves in a \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) solution. Write a balanced ionic equation for this reaction. What type of reaction is this?
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