The Question is from neet-chemistry , and it was created by the author A.RAMA NAGESWARARAO

Question

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of a buffer solution?

A.RAMA NAGESWARARAO · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: 4
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Buffer solutions and their properties
 **Related Topics**: Acid-base chemistry, pH, weak acids and bases, equilibrium
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of weak acids and bases, equilibrium constants ($K_a$, $K_b$), and pH calculations.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks to identify a statement that is NOT a characteristic of a buffer solution.
  [Important conditions]  The options describe various properties of buffer solutions.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze each option to determine if it accurately describes a buffer solution.
  Reasoning: A buffer solution resists changes in pH upon the addition of small amounts of acid or base due to the presence of a weak acid and its conjugate base (or a weak base and its conjugate acid).
  Formula/Rule:  The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation is relevant here: $pH = pK_a + log(\frac{[A^-]}{[HA]})$, where $[A^-]$ is the concentration of the conjugate base and $[HA]$ is the concentration of the weak acid.  This equation shows that the pH of a buffer is relatively constant as long as the ratio of $[A^-]/[HA]$ doesn't change significantly.
 2. Identify the option that does not accurately describe a buffer solution.
  Working: Let's evaluate each option:
        a) Correct:  A buffer solution contains a weak acid and its conjugate base (or a weak base and its conjugate acid).
        b) Correct: This is the defining characteristic of a buffer solution.
        c) Correct: A buffer solution does have a definite pH, determined by the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation.
        d) Incorrect: While buffers resist pH changes, the addition of a significant amount of strong acid or base will eventually overwhelm the buffer's capacity, causing a significant pH change.
 3. Select the option that is NOT a characteristic of a buffer solution.
  Result: Option 4 is the correct answer.
  Verification:  The other options are all true statements regarding buffer solutions.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A ✓: It contains a weak acid and its conjugate base. This is a key characteristic of a buffer solution.
B :x: It resists changes in pH upon addition of small amounts of acid or base. This is also a key characteristic.
C :x: It has a definite pH value.  The pH is determined by the $pK_a$ of the weak acid and the ratio of conjugate base to weak acid.
D :x: It significantly changes pH upon addition of strong acid or base. This is the correct answer because buffers only resist *small* additions of acid or base.  Large additions will overwhelm the buffer capacity.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing buffers with strong acids or bases: Buffers are different; they resist pH change, while strong acids/bases drastically alter pH.
  How to avoid: Understand the definition and properties of buffers thoroughly.
  2.Misinterpreting the buffer capacity: A buffer has a limited capacity to resist pH changes.  Large additions of strong acid or base will overcome this capacity.
  How to avoid: Recognize the limitations of buffers.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation:  It's crucial for understanding buffer pH.
  2.Buffers involve weak acids/bases and their conjugates: This is the fundamental component of a buffer.

A.RAMA NAGESWARARAO · Answer

It contains a weak acid and its conjugate base

A.RAMA NAGESWARARAO · Answer

It resists changes in pH upon addition of small amounts of acid or base

A.RAMA NAGESWARARAO · Answer

It has a definite pH value

A.RAMA NAGESWARARAO · Answer

The correct Option is "It significantly changes pH upon addition of strong acid or base"

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