Question

Buffer concepts for discussion a. In your own words, explain the purpose of an acid-base buffer. b. How do the acid and base parts of a buffer function to support the buffer? c. Describe the common ion effect and how it is related to LeChatelier's Principle. Working with Aqueous Solutions of HF and NaF a. What is the pH of a 0.35 M hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution? Ka 6.8x 104 [1.81] b. What is the pH of a solution containing 0.35 M HF and 0.28 M NaF? [3.07]

Answer 1

Part-a: A buffer is a chemical mixture that resists any small change in the pH of the solution and helps in providing a constant pH range of range of the solution. The pH of a solution generally changes upon dilution or by external addition of acid or base. Depending on the pH they regulate, they are classified as, Acidic buffer This acidic buffer chemical mixture is slightly acidic with a pH less than 7 They help to maintain the pH of a solution lesser than 7 example of this type of acidic buffer chemical mixture includes mixture acetic acid sodium acetate. Basic buffer this basic buffer chemical mixture is slightly basic in nature with a pH above 7 they help to maintain the pH of a solution greater than 7, example of this type of basic buffer chemical mixture includes a mixture of ammonia solution and chloride Part-b: Mechanism of action of buffer solution in resisting pH change of a solution is referred as buffer action.