Introduction for Module 5 – Buffers

Textbook: Open Stax Chemistry 2e

Suggested Reading: Chapter 14.6

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the composition and function of acid–base buffers
• Calculate the pH of a buffer before and after the addition of added acid or base

Captions and Attributions:

• Two solutions are initially at pH = 8 and contain methyl orange indicator, which exhibits a yellow color. Upon acid addition, the buffered solution does not appreciably change in pH but the unbuffered solution has become acidic and is now red. Figure 14.14 (a) The unbuffered solution on the left and the buffered solution on the right by Mark Ott and Open Stax is licensed under CCBY 4.0.
• A buffer will undergo the following reactions upon acid or base addition, consuming either one to effectively maintain a constant pH. Figure 14.15, Buffering action in a mixture of acetic acid and acetate salt by Open Stax is licensed under CCBY 4.0.