Question

How do buffers regulate the pH of a fluid?

Answer 1

How do buffers regulate the `pH` of a solution......?

Explanation:

See this older answer.

The basic equation, derived in the link, is.....

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

And thus, a buffer, which is composed of a weak acid, and its conjugate base in appreciable concentration, maintains a `pH` tolerably close to the `pK_a` of the parent acid. Addition of acid simply protonates the base, addition of base simply deprotonates the parent acid.

And we can actually choose a starting `pH` by mixing acid and base appropriately.