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Chemistry · Glossary

What is Buffer solution?

Definition 45.7 School Chemistry — Grades 1 to 12 · Chapter 45 — Buffers and Predominance Diagrams

A buffer solution is a solution whose pH changes very little when a little acid or base is added, or when it is diluted. It is usually made of a weak acid and its conjugate base in comparable amounts; its pH is then close to the pKapK_a of the couple.

Adding hydrochloric acid to pure water and to a buffer of ethanoic acid and sodium ethanoate (0.10\, mol/ L each). The pH of water falls from 7 to about 2; that of the buffer from 4.76 to 4.67.
Adding hydrochloric acid to pure water and to a buffer of ethanoic acid and sodium ethanoate (0.10 mol/L0.10\,\mathrm{mol}/\mathrm{L} each). The pH of water falls from 7 to about 2; that of the buffer from 4.76 to 4.67.
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Definition 10.16 University Chemistry — Year 1 · Chapter 10 — Acid–Base Equilibria and the Predominant-Reaction Method

A buffer solution is a solution whose pH changes little when a small amount of acid or base is added, or when it is diluted. The usual buffer is a mixture of a weak acid and its conjugate base in comparable amounts; its pH is close to the pKa\mathrm{p}K_a of the couple.

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