Question

Explain how buffers stabilize the pH of a solution. Include an example in your discussion.

Answer 1

the buffer is made by adding a weak acid and its conjugate salt, or weak base and its conjugate salt. for example
CH3COOH <----> CH3COO- + H+
CH3COONa <---> CH3COO- + Na+
when acid is added in the buffer, the excess H+ of that acid react with CH3COO- to form CH3COOH, and due to this CH3COONa dissociates into CH3COO- to attain the equilibrium. and hence there is no net effect of H+ due to pH remain almost constant.

when a base is added to the buffer, the OH- ion of base react eith H+ ion present in buffer, then to attain equilibrium of H+ ion, the CH3COOH dissociates to produce H+ ion, but now there is the excess of CH3Coo- due to which Na+ ion react with them to attain equilibrium of CH3COO-. hence there is again no net change in H+ ion due to which pH remain constant......