BCH101intermediate
Explain how conjugate acid-base pairs form and how they contribute to buffer action.
Answer
A conjugate acid-base pair differs by one proton. An acid donates a proton and becomes its conjugate base; a base accepts a proton and becomes its conjugate acid. A buffer contains a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. The pair consumes added base or acid, respectively, limiting the change in pH.
Explanation
### What a good answer covers
- Conjugate acid-base partners differ by one proton.
- An acid donates a proton and becomes its conjugate base.
- A base accepts a proton and becomes its conjugate acid.
- Buffers contain a weak conjugate pair that can respond to added acid or base.
### The concept
When acid is added to a buffer, the conjugate base can bind some of the added protons. When base is added, the weak acid can donate protons that react with it. Because these reactions remove some of the added acid or base, the pH changes less than it would in unbuffered water.
### Terms
- **Conjugate pair**: two species related by the gain or loss of one proton.
- **Weak acid**: an acid that only partially donates protons in water.
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