Buffers in Chemistry

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Questions and Answers

What happens to buffer capacity as the concentration of buffer components increases?

Buffer capacity is only affected by the pH.

Buffer capacity increases with higher concentration. (correct)

Buffer capacity decreases with higher concentration.

Buffer capacity remains unchanged.

Why are buffers critical in physiological studies?

They create a stable environment for drug absorption. (correct)

They neutralize all acids and bases.

They only protect proteins from denaturation.

They constantly regenerate lost acids.

Which statement about buffers is true?

Buffers can lose their capacity if the ratio of components significantly changes. (correct)

Buffer systems are only effective in neutral pH.

Buffers are not needed in biological systems.

Only strong acids can form effective buffers.

What is the primary buffer system in intracellular fluids?

Phosphate buffer system. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does pH have on the ionization of weak electrolytes?

Ionization is pH-dependent and can affect solubility. Signup and view all the answers

Which solution would have the most acidic pH?

0.1M benzoic acid. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of bicarbonate in blood buffering?

It neutralizes excess acids to maintain pH. Signup and view all the answers

What pH range does the human body typically maintain across various fluids?

From 1 to 8. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to verify the pH of a prepared buffer?

To guarantee it meets specific experimental or formulation needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a buffer system?

To resist pH changes upon the addition of acid or base Signup and view all the answers

Which components make up an acid buffer?

A weak acid and its conjugate base Signup and view all the answers

How does a basic buffer react when a base is added?

It neutralizes the added base to maintain pH stability Signup and view all the answers

What is maximum buffer capacity achieved?

When the pH equals the pKa Signup and view all the answers

What factors can affect buffer capacity?

Ionic dissociation constant and molar concentration Signup and view all the answers

Why should buffers be chosen close to the desired pH range in formulations?

To maintain stable pH during drug formulation and testing Signup and view all the answers

In which types of studies are buffers primarily utilized?

Drug stability, diffusion-dissolution, and partitioning studies Signup and view all the answers

Which equation is used to determine buffer capacity?

Van Slyke's equation Signup and view all the answers

What pH range does human blood typically maintain?

pH 7.35 to 7.45 Signup and view all the answers

What is the mechanism of buffer action?

Conjugate acid-base pairs act as proton donors and acceptors Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Buffers

Buffers are solutions that resist pH changes upon addition of small amounts of acid or base.
Acid buffers are composed of weak acids and their conjugate bases (salts).
Basic buffers consist of weak bases and their conjugate acids.
The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is used to calculate the pH of buffers.
Buffer pH is influenced by the ratio of salt to acid/base.
Buffer capacity is the strength of a buffer, reflecting its ability to resist pH change.
Maximum buffer capacity is achieved when pH equals the pKa of the buffer.
Factors influencing buffer capacity include the dissociation constant, hydrogen ion concentration, and molar concentration.
Buffers are crucial in pharmaceutical formulations for maintaining drug stability and efficacy during testing.
They are commonly employed in studies involving drug stability, diffusion, dissolution, and partitioning.
The pH of human blood is tightly regulated by buffers like hemoglobin and bicarbonates, maintaining a range of 7.35-7.45.
Bicarbonate serves as the primary buffer in blood, neutralizing excess acids.
Phosphate buffers are the dominant buffers in intracellular fluids.
The capacity of a buffer increases with a higher concentration of buffer components.
Buffers help maintain the pH of eye fluids around 7.4, protecting against irritation.
Buffer capacity is dependent on the ionic dissociation constant, hydrogen ion concentration, and molar concentration.
Buffers assist in partitioning studies by ensuring a stable pH for accurate measurements of drug distribution between phases.
Amphoteric molecules can act as both acids and bases, contributing to pH stability.
Buffers are often used in topical drug formulations to prevent irritation on skin or mucous membranes.
Ionic strength can affect buffer capacity; higher ionic strength generally increases capacity.
Buffers protect the gastrointestinal tract by preventing drastic pH changes, safeguarding the lining.
They stabilize proteins in solution by preventing pH-induced denaturation.
Effective buffers are formed by weak acids and bases with their corresponding conjugates.
Acetate buffers are most effective around pH 4.76, aligning with the pKa of acetic acid.
Buffer capacity can be measured by adding a known amount of acid or base and evaluating the resulting pH change.
The selection of a buffer for a specific application depends on the desired pH, compatibility with the system, and chemical stability of the buffer components.
The maximum buffer capacity when pH equals pKa can be calculated as β = 0.575 × C, where C represents the total concentration of the buffer components.

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Description

Explore the essential role of buffers in chemistry with this quiz. Learn about the components of acid and basic buffers, the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, and the factors influencing buffer capacity. Understand why buffers are crucial in pharmaceutical applications and maintaining pH stability.