Question:
Hi there
Titration Curves - ph and Buffers
Why the pH of a buffer is independent of the buffer concentration, but the
buffer capacity does depend on the concentration?
Replies:
Jamelle.
Using an example of a buffer made with a weak acid and its salt: The pH
depends
on the RATIO of concentrations of the weak acid and salt of the acid. One can
make such a solution dilute or concentrated. The capacity of the buffer is
determined by the actual amounts of acid and salt. A buffer made with very
little acid and salt will not have a very great capacity.
NEWTON is an electronic community for Science, Math, and Computer Science K-12 Educators, sponsored and operated by Argonne National Laboratory's Educational Programs, Andrew Skipor, Ph.D., Head of Educational Programs.