Buffer capacity refers to the amount of acid or base that can be added to a buffer solution before its pH starts to change significantly.
Think of buffer capacity like a sponge's ability to soak up water. A sponge (buffer solution) can only absorb so much water (acid or base) before it becomes saturated and can't hold any more, causing water to spill out (pH changes).
Acidic Buffer: A solution that has a pH less than 7 and is able to neutralize added bases.
Basic Buffer: A solution that has a pH greater than 7 and is able to neutralize added acids.
Titration: The process in which an acid or base is gradually added to a solution until the pH changes significantly, often used to determine the buffer capacity.
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