Question

What is a Buffer Capacity?

Answer 1

Buffer: Buffer is a type of solution that resists large changes in its pH value either by adding small amount of acid or base to the buffer solution.

Types of buffer:

There are two types of buffers depending on the nature of the solution.

1. Acidic Buffer - It is formed by mixing a solution of a weak acid and the salt of this weak acid with a strong base. For example, a mixture of Sodium acetate (${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COONa}$) and acetic acid(${\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{COOH}$).
2. Basic Buffer - It is formed by mixing a solution of a weak base and the salt of this weak base with a strong acid. For example, a mixture of Ammonium hydroxide(${\mathrm{NH}}_4\mathrm{OH}$) and Ammonium Chloride(${\mathrm{NH}}_4\mathrm{Cl}$).

Buffer capacity:

1. Buffer capacity($\mathrm{\beta }$) is defined as a quantitative measure of the resistance of pH change when ions are added in Buffer solutions.
2. It is also known as acid neutralizing or alkalinity capacity.
3. Also it is defined as the moles or grams equivalent of an acid or a base that is required to bring a change in the pH of a solution by 1. It depends on the concentration of a solution.