Chemistry Regents Practice Test 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

Question: 1 / 400

What happens when a buffer solution is exposed to a small amount of acid?

The pH increases significantly

The pH decreases slightly or stabilizes

Buffer solutions are designed to resist changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. They achieve this by using a weak acid and its conjugate base (or a weak base and its conjugate acid), which can neutralize added acids or bases without causing significant changes in pH.

When a small amount of acid is introduced to a buffer solution, the weak base component of the buffer reacts with the added acid to form the weak acid component of the buffer. This reaction effectively neutralizes the added acid, resulting in only a slight decrease in the overall pH. The buffer system maintains the pH within a narrow range, thus stabilizing the solution against drastic changes caused by the addition of acids or bases.

Due to this mechanism, the correct understanding is that the pH of a buffer solution will decrease slightly or remain stable, rather than experiencing a significant change or undergoing a complete breakdown.

Get further explanation with Examzify DeepDiveBeta

The buffer breaks down completely

The solution turns into a strong acid

Next Question

Report this question

Download Chemistry Regents Practice Test PDF Study Guide
Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy