What happens when some alkali is added to a buffer solution?

The dissociation of the weak acid ‘HA’ would be shown as:HA (aq) ⇌ H+ (aq) + A (aq)Adding alkali will add OH- ions to the solution. These will react with the H+ ions present in the solution, producing water (H2O). As a result, the concentration of Hions will decrease. The system will react to oppose this change, so the position of equilibrium will move towards the side with the H+. Therefore, the position of equilibrium will move to the right (product side). In order to replace the lost H+ ions, some HA molecules will dissociate forming A- ions in the process. This means the fall in H+ concentration is resisted and the pH of the buffer solution remains fairly constant.

HD
Answered by Holly D. Chemistry tutor

15015 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Q3. A third beaker, C, contains 100.0 cm^3 of 0.0125 mol/dm^3 ethanoic acid ( Ka = 1.74 × 10^−5 mol/dm^3 at 25 ºC). Write an expression for Ka and use it to calculate the pH of the ethanoic acid solution in beaker C.


How do amino acids change at different pH?


State and explain how the attraction between nuclei and outermost electrons varies across group 3 (2 marks)


Explain why ethanol has a higher boiling point than ethene (3)


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