Buffers
Buffers are chemical solutions that can resist pH changes upon the addition of acidic or basic substances. Because of this ability, buffers are used neutralize small amounts of acid or base in a solution in order to maintain a certain pH level. Different buffers are used to maintain different pH ranges.
What are buffers made of?
Buffers consist of either a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid, depending on the desired pH range of the buffer.
How do buffers work?
Because they are made up of either a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid, buffers contain both H+ and OH- ions. The H+ ions are able to neutralize small amounts of base added to the buffer, and OH- ions are able to neutralize small amounts of acid added to the buffer in order to prevent drastic pH changes. The ratio of H+ ions to OH- ions can defines the pH range given by a buffer.
Real life use of buffers
Sodium citrate is a typical buffer used to keep shampoo slightly acidic. Shampoo contains soap, which has an alkalinity that can be damaging to hair, so the buffer is used to make the shampoo more acidic.
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