Question

Calculate the change in pH when 1.0 L of solid NaOH was added to 1.0 L of buffer solution in the previous case. Compare this change in pH with the change in pH that would occur if 1.0 L of water were added to the same amount of solid NaOH.

Answer 1

When a strong base (OH-) is added to a buffer solution, the hydroxide ions are consumed by the weak acid forming water and the weaker conjugate base of the acid. The amount of the weak acid decreases while the amount of the conjugate base increases.