Mechanism of Buffering Action
To understand how a buffer works, think about the example of a buffer solution created by combining sodium acetate and acetic acid. Acetate acid, as implied by its name, is an acid with the chemical formula CH3COOH, whereas sodium acetate dissociates in solution to produce the conjugate base CH3COO– acetate ions. The reaction equation is:
CH3COOH (aq) + OH– (aq) ⇢ CH3COO– (aq) + H2O (aq)
Now, the acetate ion can be neutralized by adding a strong acid to this solution as,
CH3COO– (aq) + H+ (aq) ⇢ CH3COOH (aq)
Thus, the original buffer reaction equilibrium changes, and hence, the pH remains constant.
Buffer Solution
Buffer Solution is a special aqueous solution that resists the change in its pH when some quantity of acid and Base is added. Many fluids, such as blood, have specific pH values of 7.14, and variations in these values indicate that the body is malfunctioning. The change in pH of Buffer Solutions on adding a small quantity of acid or bases is very minimal and hence they are used to make solutions that resist the change in pH.
Let us learn about Buffer solution, its types, and others in this article.
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