Acids, Bases & Buffers: Chemical Equilibria
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Acids, Bases & Buffers: Chemical Equilibria

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@HappierCosmos

Questions and Answers

What exists in a system of at least two states when the populations of the two states are constant?

Equilibrium

Most chemical reactions are irreversible.

False

What does Le Châtelier’s Principle state about systems?

  • Systems cannot respond to changes.
  • Systems will always shift towards products.
  • Systems will always remain unchanged.
  • Systems will strive to reestablish equilibrium. (correct)
  • What is the equilibrium constant (K)?

    <p>A numerical description of the balance of reactants and products in molar concentrations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An acid is a species that increases the ______ concentration.

    <p>H+</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the Bronsted definition, what does an acid do?

    <p>Donates hydrogen ion to a base.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A conjugate base must contain a hydroxide anion.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an amphiprotic species?

    <p>A species that can behave as either an acid or a base.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes weak acids?

    <p>They can donate hydrogen ions but are less determined to do so.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a pH buffer?

    <p>A solution that resists changes in pH.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    If a strong acid is added to a buffered solution, the weak base in the buffer will react to give ______.

    <p>HA</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Chemical Equilibria

    • Equilibrium occurs in a system with at least two states when populations remain constant.
    • Chemical reactions are often reversible, allowing reactants to form products and vice versa.
    • Double arrows denote reversibility and dynamic equilibria.

    Le Châtelier’s Principle

    • Systems tend to restore equilibrium if disturbed.
    • Changes in reactant or product concentrations shift equilibrium:
      • Adding reactants pushes the equilibrium toward products.
      • Adding products favors the formation of reactants.
    • Example: High oxygen tension in alveoli promotes oxygen binding to hemoglobin; lower tension in tissues promotes release.
    • Volume and pressure changes also affect equilibrium:
      • Increased FiO2 raises dissolved oxygen levels.

    Equilibrium Constant

    • The equilibrium constant (K) quantifies the balance of reactants and products in molar concentrations.
    • For the reaction aA + bB ⇌ cC + dD, K is expressed as:
      • K = [C]^c [D]^d / [A]^a [B]^b
    • Subscripts indicate specific types of equilibrium (e.g., Ka for weak acid ionization).
    • K values > 1 indicate a product-favored reaction, meaning products are more prevalent than reactants.

    Acids and Bases

    • Acids increase H+ concentration; in solution, H+ is typically present as hydronium ion (H3O+).
    • Bases increase hydroxide ion (OH-) concentration in a solution.
    • In Brønsted terms:
      • Acids donate H+; bases accept H+.
    • Example reaction: HCl → H+ + Cl-, where Cl- is the conjugate base that can accept H+.
    • Amphiprotic species can function as either an acid or a base, such as bicarbonate (HCO3-).
    • Polyprotic acids, like carbonic acid (H2CO3), can donate more than one H+, with initial protons released more readily than subsequent ones.

    Weak Acids

    • Weak acids partially donate H+ to bases; their dissociation establishes dynamic equilibrium.
    • The equilibrium constant (Ka) measures this equilibrium:
      • Larger Ka indicates stronger acids.
    • Example: In plasma, carbonic acid dissociates with a Ka of 7.94x10-7, leading to a pKa of 6.1.

    Buffers

    • A pH buffer resists changes in pH; typically comprises a weak acid (HA) and its conjugate base (A-).
    • Adding a strong acid reacts with the weak base in the buffer to form more weak acid:
      • Reaction: A- + H+ → HA
    • Adding a strong base reacts with the weak acid to yield water and the weak base:
      • Reaction: HA + OH- → A- + H2O

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    Description

    Explore the fascinating world of chemical equilibria with this quiz focused on acids, bases, and buffers. Understand the concepts of equilibrium and the behavior of reversible reactions. Test your knowledge and enhance your understanding of these essential chemistry topics.

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