Product 12516

Product Details

One of the most difficult concepts in acid–base chemistry, buffers provide an essential acid–base balancing act in living cells, lakes and many consumer products. What are buffers made of, and how do they work? First prepare an ideal pH 7 phosphate buffer—the same buffer that protects enzymes and proteins in cells. Next use indicators to show how the buffer resists pH changes and protects against acids and bases. Students learn not only what components are always present in a buffer, but also understand how each component plays a unique role in making the buffer work. Finally, students what they have learned about buffers by testing the buffer capacity of Alka-Seltzer^® tablets. 

Concepts: pH, buffers, weak acid, conjugate base.
Time Required: 15 minutes