Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry Practice Exam

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In what type of solution do buffers typically work best?

  1. Neutral solutions

  2. Acidic and basic solutions

  3. Extreme acidic solutions

  4. Dilute solutions only

The correct answer is: Acidic and basic solutions

Buffers are designed to maintain a relatively stable pH when small amounts of acids or bases are added. They work most effectively in environments where they can respond to changes in pH, which is characteristic of both acidic and basic solutions. This dual capability is essential because buffers are generally made from a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid. In acidic solutions, the buffer can neutralize added bases, while in basic solutions, it can neutralize added acids. This ideal functionality supports the idea that buffers operate best when the pH is away from the extremes, allowing them to effectively resist significant changes in pH. While neutral solutions can sustain a balance, the presence of both acidic and basic environments provides the optimal conditions for a buffer’s action. On the other hand, extreme acidic or basic conditions can overwhelm a buffer, causing it to lose effectiveness. Similarly, while dilute solutions may contribute to buffer action, they do not define the range in which buffers operate best.

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