What is a buffer solution? Explain the types of buffer solutions with examples and state their biological importance.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) buffer solution is a solution that resists changes in $pH$ upon the addition of small amounts of acid or base.
Types of buffer solutions:
$1$. Acidic Buffer: $A$ mixture of a weak acid and its salt with a strong base. Example: $CH_3COOH + CH_3COONa$ $(pH < 7)$.
$2$. Basic Buffer: $A$ mixture of a weak base and its salt with a strong acid. Example: $NH_4OH + NH_4Cl$ $(pH > 7)$.
Biological Importance:
$1$. The $pH$ of human blood is maintained at approximately $7.4$ due to the $H_2CO_3/HCO_3^-$ buffer system.
$2$. Many biochemical reactions in cells occur only within a specific $pH$ range,which is maintained by intracellular buffer systems.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Equal volumes of $0.5 \ N$ acetic acid and $0.5 \ N$ sodium acetate are mixed. What is the $pH$ of the resultant solution? $(pK_{a}$ of acetic acid $= 4.75)$

The condition for minimum change in $pH$ for a buffer solution is

Explain the preparation of an acidic buffer solution with an example.

Difficult
View Solution

Calculate the $pH$ of a buffer solution containing $0.1 \text{ M } CH_3COOH$ and $0.1 \text{ M } CH_3COONa$ $[K_a = 1.8 \times 10^{-5}]$.

One litre buffer solution was prepared by adding $0.10 \ mol$ each of $NH_3$ and $NH_4Cl$ in deionised water. The change in $pH$ on addition of $0.05 \ mol$ of $HCl$ to the above solution is $............ \times 10^{-2}$ ($Nearest$ $integer$) ($Given$: $pK_b$ of $NH_3 = 4.745$ and $\log_{10} 3 = 0.477$)

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo