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

Which of the following solutions will act as a buffer solution?

How many $mL$ of $0.2 \, M \, KCN$ should be mixed with $200 \, mL$ of $0.1 \, M \, HCN$ so as to make a mixture of $pH = 3$ ($pK_a$ for $HCN = 6$)?

Difficult
View Solution

Calculate $pH$ of the solution obtained by mixing $50 \ mL$ of $0.2 \ M$ $NH_4Cl$ solution and $75 \ mL$ of $0.1 \ M$ $NaOH$ solution. Given $pK_b$ for aqueous $NH_3$ is $4.74$.

Components of a buffer solution are $0.1 \ M \ HCN$ and $0.2 \ M \ NaCN$. What is the $pH$ of the solution? (Given: $pK_a$ of $HCN = 9.30$)

To prepare a buffer solution of $pH = 6$ by mixing sodium acetate and acetic acid,what should be the ratio of the concentration of salt to acid? $(K_a = 10^{-5})$

Difficult
View Solution

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