Acid-Base Buffer Systems
Buffers function by reducing changes in [H3O+]
that result from additions of acid or base to the solution.
Buffers are composed of the conjugate
acid-base pair of a weak acid.
Buffers function via the common ion effect.
CH3COOH(aq) + H2O(l) CH3COO-(aq) + H3O+(aq)
The common ion effect occurs when a reactant containing
a given ion is added to an equilibrium mixture that already
contains that ion and the position of the equilibrium shifts
away from forming more of it.
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