Question

Which of the following statements about buffers is false?

a. a buffer resists changes in pH
b. a buffer always consists of a weak acid and a soluble ionic salt of the weak acid
c. a buffer solution can react with eeither H3O+ of OH- ions
d. most body fluids contain natural buffer systems
e. many medications are buffered to prevent digestive upset

Answer 1

The false statement about buffers is that they always consist of a weak acid and a salt of the weak acid; they can also contain a weak base and its salt.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about buffers that is false is "a buffer always consists of a weak acid and a soluble ionic salt of the weak acid". While it is true that buffers often consist of a weak acid and its salt, they can also be made of a weak base and its salt. A buffer works by absorbing excess hydroxide ions (OH-) when there is an increase in pH, or absorbing excess hydronium ions (H3O+) when there is a decrease in pH. This dual capacity allows buffers to maintain the pH within a narrow range, which is vital for many biological fluids like blood and cellular environments, as well as for various industrial and medical applications.