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Use Henderson-Hasselbalch to explain how buffers work.

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Fully explain the following two questions:

1. Using the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, or other appropriate equations, discuss why the optimum pH with a respect to a buffer's ability to act as a buffer is within ± 1 pH unit of the buffers pKa.

2. Does the ocean have a buffer system in place? How is the pH of the ocean maintained?

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Solution Summary

The student had 2 questions regarding buffers. First, explain why buffers work best when within 1 unit of their pKa, and second, explain if the ocean is buffered, and if so, by what. The full explanation of both questions is given.

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1. To answer this one, think about what the H-H equation says (pH = pKa + log [A-]/[HA ])
and what a buffer is (a mixture of significant amounts of both an acid and its conjugate base (or base and its conjugate acid) in equilibrium).

Le Chatelier's Principle says that an equilibrium under stress (added reactant or removed product, for instance) will ...

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