IB Chemistry - Acids and Bases

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Buffers are solutions that resist change in pH on addition of small amounts of acid or base. They are very important in biological systems.

Syllabus reference

Reactivity 3.1.16 - A buffer solution is one that resists change in pH on the addition of small amounts of acid or alkali. (HL)

  • Describe the composition of acidic and basic buffers and explain their actions.

Guidance

Tools and links

  • Reactivity 2.3 - Why must buffer solutions be composed of weak acid or base conjugate systems, not of strong acids or bases?

In Chapter 8.6