Buffer: Buffers are defined as solutions which resists small change in pH by adding small amount of acid or base. A buffer usually consists of a weak acid and its salt (fore eg, acetic acid and sodium acetate) or a weak base and its salt (for eg, ammonium hydroxide and ammonium chloride). Mechanism of buffer action: CH3COOH ß——à CH3COO- + H+ CH3COONa ß—-à CH3COO- + Na+ When HCL is added H+ ion combines with CH3COO- and resists change in pH. Similarly when a base (NaOH) is added H+ ion and OH- ion combines to form H2o which also rsist pH change. Hence the buffer solution resist change in pH when adding small amount of acid or base. Buffering capacity: The efficiency of a buffer in maintain…
