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

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with General Chemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Which one of the following combinations does not create a buffer?

HC₂H₃O₂ and KC₂H₃O₂

H₂SO₃ and NaHSO₃

H₃PO₄ and NaH₂PO₄

HNO₃ and KNO₃

NH₄Cl and NH₃

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand what a buffer solution is: A buffer solution is a system that resists changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. It typically consists of a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid.

Analyze each combination to determine if it forms a buffer: A buffer is formed when there is a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid present in the solution.

Examine the combination HC2H3O2 and KC2H3O2: HC2H3O2 is acetic acid (a weak acid) and KC2H3O2 is potassium acetate (the conjugate base of acetic acid). This combination forms a buffer.

Examine the combination H2SO3 and NaHSO3: H2SO3 is sulfurous acid (a weak acid) and NaHSO3 is sodium bisulfite (the conjugate base of sulfurous acid). This combination forms a buffer.

Examine the combination HNO3 and KNO3: HNO3 is nitric acid (a strong acid) and KNO3 is potassium nitrate (a salt that does not provide a conjugate base of a weak acid). This combination does not form a buffer because it involves a strong acid and its salt, which does not resist changes in pH.