Chapter 9: Q32P (page 209)

Why does the buffer capacity reach a maximum when $pH = {pK}_{a}$ ?

Short Answer

Expert verified

If an acid or a base is added it would have a least effect on the $[A^{-}] / [HA]$ ratio because these concentrations are initially equal.

Step by step solution

Define pH and pKa

pH stands for Potential hydrogen. It is the symbol for the logarithm of the reciprocal of hydrogen ion concentration in gram atoms per litre, used to express the acidity and alkalinity of a solution on a scale of 0 to 14

${pK}_{a}$ is the number that describes the acidity of a particular molecule. The formula to find the is

${pK}_{a} is$

role="math" localid="1663410028653" ${pK}_{a} = - {logK}_{a}$

If pH and pKa are equal

When pH = ${pK}_{a}$ the ratio of conjugate base and conjugate acid are equal to each otherand ratio of $[A^{-}] / [HA]$ is unity.

Reason why buffer capacity is maximum

If an acid or a base is added it would have a least effect on the $[A^{-}] / [HA]$ ratio because these concentrations are initially equal.

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Why does the buffer capacity reach a maximum when $pH = {pK}_{a}$ ?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define pH and pKa

If pH and pKa are equal

Reason why buffer capacity is maximum

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Why does the buffer capacity reach a maximum when pH=pKa?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Define pH and pKa

If pH and pKa are equal

Reason why buffer capacity is maximum

One App. One Place for Learning.

Most popular questions from this chapter

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

The Earths Atmosphere

Making Measurements

Chemical Reactions

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Chemical Analysis

Chemistry Branches

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Why does the buffer capacity reach a maximum when $pH = {pK}_{a}$ ?