In the previous topic (Acid-Base Chemistry Review), you studied the behavior of various acid/base systems, including
- strong acids or bases in water
- weak acids or bases in water
- salts which can undergo hydrolysis (therefore acting as acids or bases), because an ion formed in the dissociation of the salt is a conjugate acid or base.
We will next look at systems that have mixtures containing two of the above (for example, a strong acid/weak acid mixture or a mixture of a weak base and a salt). Some of these mixtures exhibit what is called the common-ion effect. This common-ion effect is also the basis for buffer solutions, which are used to stabilize pH (you may remember buffer solutions from CHEM 161 lab). After an initial look at buffer solutions, you will study how any why they resist change in pH to close this topic.
