Chemistry / Unit 10 Chem 1887 short lesson, about 20 seconds
Buffers: How They Resist pH Change
Captions available
The idea
A buffer resists pH change because it holds a weak acid and its conjugate base together, so added H3O+ or OH− is consumed by one of the two.
In practice
A buffered solution's pH barely moves when strong acid is added; pure water swings sharply.
Where people slip
A buffer resists pH change but does not prevent it — enough added acid or base overwhelms it.
Your place on the trail
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