What is the maximum ratio of conjugate base to acid in an effective buffer?
A) 2
B) 5
C) 10
D) 20
E) 15

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The maximum ratio of conjugate base to acid in an effective buffer is 10 according to the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation. The equation states that pH = pKa + log([A-]/[HA]), where [A-] is the concentration of the conjugate base and [HA] is the concentration of the acid. The most effective buffer occurs when the concentrations of [A-] and [HA] are approximately equal, which results in a ratio of 1. However, the buffer capacity decreases significantly when the ratio goes beyond 10 or below 0.1. Therefore, the maximum ratio of conjugate base to acid in an effective buffer is 10.

What Is the Maximum Ratio of Conjugate Base to Acid