Question

What is buffering capacity? How is buffering capacity measured?

Answer 1

Well, what is the buffer equation....?

Explanation:

The buffer equation, derived here holds that....

`underbrace(-log_10[H_3O^+])_(pH)=underbrace(-log_10K_a)_(pK_a)+log_10{[[A^-]]/([HA(aq)]}}`

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

Buffering capacity thus DEPENDS on `[A^-]` or `[HA]`...which of course is established when the buffer is prepared. The buffer continues to function UNTIL EITHER acid or base has been reduced to negligible concentration.... Given the equation, the `pH` of a buffered solution remains tolerably close to the `pK_a` of the acid used to prepare the buffer.