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Buffer Worksheet

This document discusses buffers and buffer capacity. It defines a buffer as a solution that can resist changes in pH within a specific range when a strong acid or base is added. A buffer contains a weak acid or base and its conjugate salt. Buffer capacity is the amount of acid or base needed to change the pH by 1 unit, and is represented by the formula n/ΔpH. The procedure involves using two solutions - a buffer solution of sodium acetate and acetic acid, and an HCl solution. Sodium hydroxide is added to both and the pH is measured. The buffer resists changes in pH better than the HCl solution, demonstrating its higher buffer capacity. Buffers are important for maintaining pH in

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Valenzuela Allene Grace
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260 views2 pages

Buffer Worksheet

This document discusses buffers and buffer capacity. It defines a buffer as a solution that can resist changes in pH within a specific range when a strong acid or base is added. A buffer contains a weak acid or base and its conjugate salt. Buffer capacity is the amount of acid or base needed to change the pH by 1 unit, and is represented by the formula n/ΔpH. The procedure involves using two solutions - a buffer solution of sodium acetate and acetic acid, and an HCl solution. Sodium hydroxide is added to both and the pH is measured. The buffer resists changes in pH better than the HCl solution, demonstrating its higher buffer capacity. Buffers are important for maintaining pH in

Uploaded by

Valenzuela Allene Grace
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ACTIVITY 1

BUFFER AND BUFFER CAPACITY

Theory

Both internal and external environments of the cell are highly susceptible to pH changes. Death
results if the human blood varies from normal pH by as much as 0.4 pH units. Plant growth and
development may be enhanced or retarded by varying soil pH. Bacterial growth stops when
lactic acid concentration in the medium they are growing in becomes too high.

Many of the food we eat are either acidic or basic. Others may leave acidic or basic residues
when metabolized in the body. Apparently, some manner of control over pH must be exercised
in life to continue. Buffers fulfill the very vital function of maintaining pH.

A. Watch the Youtube links found in the Google Classroom and answer the following
questions:
1. What is a buffer?
A buffer is a solution that is able to resist a change in pH at a specific pH range upon
the addition of a strong acid or base.
2. What is in a Buffer?
A buffer solution should contain:
1. A weak acid or weak base solution
2. The conjugate salt of that weak acid or base. A conjugate is a compound that
differs 1 proton realtive to the acidic or basic solution
3. What is Buffer Capacity?
 Buffer capacity is the the number of moles of an acid or base necessary to
change the pH level of a solution by 1 unit. It is denoted by the formula
n/ΔpH, where n is the number moles of the added base/acid.

B. Complete the table below:

Procedure: (After watching the video please write what are the procedures in performing the
Activity)

Reagents Apparatus Results


 NaOH (0.1M)  Two pH meter for each  The buffer solution on the
 Methyl Red Indicator solution left resisted the change in pH,
(pKa=4.95)  Two beakers; resulting to a maintained pH
Right one containing level of 4.7 despite the
1.7x10-5M HCl (250 mL) addition of the strong base
Left one containing 3.4g NaOH.
NaCH3COO and 3H2O (250  The pH level of the
mL) 0.1M Acetic Acid solution on the right changed
 Pippette Dropper drastically from 4.7 to almost
9.9.
Concluson:

The buffer capacity of the buffer solution on the left is 1.67 x 10-3mol/pH Unit. On the other hand, the

buffer capacity pf the HCl solution is 9.63x10-6mol/pH Unit. This means that it takes more moles of strong base to

yield a single unit change in the pH level of the buffer solution, compared to the HCl solution. It can be concluded

that buffer solution or solutions that have a weak acid or base and its conjugate salt, can have high resistance to

the change in pH compared to those otherwise. It takes more moles of reagent or strong acid/base to cause a single

unit change in these solutions.

Buffer Capacity is an effective method to illustrate the concept on a quantitative manner, showing the

difference between the resistance of solutions to pH changes.

Buffer is important in maintaining pH level or minimizing its change, which is highly applicable in the

provision of health care. Thus it is important to understand such concept to be able to effectively use it in aiding

health-related dilemma in the nursing profession.

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