Select the statement that best describes a buffer. view available hint(s) select the statement that best describes a buffer. a buffer prevents the ph of a solution from changing when an acid or base is added. buffered solutions are always neutral, with a ph of 7. a buffer stabilizes the ph of a solution by preventing acids or bases from dissociating. a buffer causes acidic solutions to become alkaline, and alkaline solutions to become acidic. a buffer resists change in ph by accepting hydrogen ions when acids are added to the solution and donating hydrogen ions when bases are added.

The statement that best describes a buffer is: A buffer resists change in pH by accepting hydrogen ions when acids are added to the solution and donating hydrogen ions when bases are added.

Why?

A buffer is a solution made by combining either:

The purpose of a buffer is to resist changes in pH when a strong acid or base is added to the solution.

If the buffer is composed of HA and A⁻ and a strong acid (e.g. HCl) is added, the buffer accepts hydrogen ions in the following way:

A⁻+HCl → HA+Cl⁻

If a strong base (e.g. NaOH) is added, the buffer donates hydrogen ions in the following way:

HA + NaOH → NaA + H₂O

The pH of the buffer at any given moment can be found by using the Henderson-Hasselbach equation, based on the equilibrium HA + H₂O ⇄ H₃O⁺ + A⁻

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