Table of contents

1. Intro to General Chemistry3h 48m
2. Atoms & Elements4h 16m
3. Chemical Reactions4h 10m
4. BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
5. BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions48m
6. Chemical Quantities & Aqueous Reactions3h 53m
7. Gases3h 49m
8. Thermochemistry2h 37m
9. Quantum Mechanics2h 58m
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements3h 9m
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure3h 29m
12. Molecular Shapes & Valence Bond Theory1h 57m
13. Liquids, Solids & Intermolecular Forces2h 23m
14. Solutions3h 1m
15. Chemical Kinetics2h 53m
16. Chemical Equilibrium2h 29m
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium5h 1m
18. Aqueous Equilibrium4h 47m
19. Chemical Thermodynamics1h 50m
20. Electrochemistry2h 42m
21. Nuclear Chemistry2h 36m
22. Organic Chemistry5h 7m
23. Chemistry of the Nonmetals2h 39m
24. Transition Metals and Coordination Compounds3h 16m

18. Aqueous Equilibrium

Intro to Buffers

General Chemistry

18. Aqueous Equilibrium

Intro to Buffers

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Multiple Choice

Why are buffers important in living organisms?

Buffers provide energy for cellular processes.

Buffers act as catalysts in metabolic pathways.

Buffers help maintain a stable pH in biological systems.

Buffers increase the rate of chemical reactions in cells.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of buffers: Buffers are solutions that resist changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. They are crucial in maintaining the pH balance in biological systems.

Recognize the importance of pH stability: Many biochemical processes in living organisms are pH-dependent. Enzymes, which catalyze metabolic reactions, have optimal pH ranges and can lose functionality if the pH deviates significantly.

Identify the components of a buffer: A typical buffer solution consists of a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. This combination allows the buffer to neutralize added acids or bases.

Consider the biological context: In living organisms, buffers such as the bicarbonate buffer system in blood help maintain a stable pH, which is essential for proper cellular function and overall homeostasis.

Conclude the significance: By maintaining a stable pH, buffers ensure that metabolic pathways operate efficiently, enzymes remain active, and cellular processes proceed without disruption, which is vital for the survival of living organisms.