How does a acid buffer work?

For example CH3COOH buffer Buffer is in equilibrium like this - CH3COOH = CH3COO- + H+When a little bit of Acid (H+) is added equilibrium shifts left (as equilibrium shifts in the opposite direction when the concentration of something increases on one side), decreasing the concentration of H+ therefore minimising the change to the pHWhen a little bit of a base (OH-) is added equilibrium shifts right, increasing the concentration of OH- therefore minimising pH change.

ER
Answered by Emily R. Chemistry tutor

1833 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

A sample of nitrogen gas is heated to 100°C, at a pressure of 10kPa and volume of 0.2m^3. How many moles of gas are present?


How do you decide what the sign of the enthalpy change should be?


Give the IUPAC name of CH3CH2CH2CH2CH(OH)CN and describe why the formation of this molecule creates 2 enantiomers.


Write equations for the reaction of propanoic acid with methanol and name any organic products.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning