How to answer the question: How does a bicarbonate buffer solution control pH when either an acid or a base is added?
A buffer solution is resistant to changes in pH upon the addition of relatively small amounts of acid or base. In this case, the equilibrium resisting changes to the pH is: H2CO3 <-> H+ + HCO3-.
Upon addition of acid;
H+ reacts with HCO3-, forming H2CO3, shifting the equilibrium to the left.
Upon addition of base;
OH- reacts with H2CO3, forming water and HCO3-, shifting the equilibrium to the right.
HJ
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