Buffer Capacity
Definition
Buffer capacity refers to the amount of acid or base that can be added to a buffer solution before its pH starts to change significantly.
Analogy
Think of buffer capacity like a sponge's ability to soak up water. A sponge (buffer solution) can only absorb so much water (acid or base) before it becomes saturated and can't hold any more, causing water to spill out (pH changes).
Related terms
Acidic Buffer: A solution that has a pH less than 7 and is able to neutralize added bases.
Basic Buffer: A solution that has a pH greater than 7 and is able to neutralize added acids.
Titration: The process in which an acid or base is gradually added to a solution until the pH changes significantly, often used to determine the buffer capacity.
"Buffer Capacity" appears in:
Practice Questions (3)
- Which of the following is true about buffer capacity?
- The buffer capacity is NOT _______________.
- Which of the following occurs after the buffer capacity has been exceeded?
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