1. Buffers in a Nutshell pp. 707-713
“De-emphasized” on the test, when they put a buffer question on, there is usually another way to answer it besides attacking it as a buffer question. They put this style of question on there to get you to THINK. Most of you will just get confused and give up. pp

2. Buffers: Contain a weak acid and it’s salt: (HA) + (NaA) or
A weak base and it’s salt: (B) + (BHCl)

3. Henderson-Hasselbalch
Once upon a time this equation was given on the reference table:
pH = pKa + log( [X−] [HX] )
pH = pKa + log( [base] [acid] )

4. For and Acid/Acid Salt Buffer:
pH = pKa + log( [A−] [HA] )
The capacity of the buffered solution depends upon the amounts of HA and A-
The most efficient buffering occurs when [A]− [HA] ratio is close to 1

5. Buffering works because the amounts of HA (reacts with added OH-) and the A- (reacts with added H+) are large enough that the [A−] [HA] ratio doesn’t change significantly.