Question

What happens in a buffer when the level of H+ ions in solution increases?

Answer 1

The protium ion reacts with the base, and `pH` is marginally diminished.

Explanation:

From here we learn that in a buffer, a mixutre of a weak acid, and its conjugate base in appreciable quantities that,

`pH=pK_a+log_10{[[A^-]]/[[HA]]}` .

Should `H^+` be added to the buffer, `A^-` would be protonated and `[HA]` would increase, and given the equation `pH` would decrease marginally. On the other hand, in an unbuffered solution, `pH` would decrease prodigiously should a strong acid be added to the solution.