QuestionMarch 20, 2026

What happens to the pH of a buffer solution if it is diluted by adding more water? A) pH increases B) pH decreases C) pH remains the same D) pH becomes 7 E) It depends on the starting volume of the buffer

What happens to the pH of a buffer solution if it is diluted by adding more water? A) pH increases B) pH decreases C) pH remains the same D) pH becomes 7 E) It depends on the starting volume of the buffer
What happens to the pH of a buffer solution if it is diluted by adding more water? A) pH increases B) pH decreases C) pH remains the same D) pH becomes 7 E) It depends on the starting volume of the buffer

Solution
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Answer

C) pH remains the same Explanation 1. Understand buffer pH relation In a buffer, pH is given by **Henderson–Hasselbalch equation**: pH = pK_a + \log\left(\frac A^- HA \right). 2. Effect of dilution Dilution by water decreases both [A^-] and [HA] equally, so their ratio remains constant, hence pH unchanged.

Explanation

1. Understand buffer pH relation <br /> In a buffer, pH is given by **Henderson–Hasselbalch equation**: <br />$pH = pK_a + \log\left(\frac{[A^-]}{[HA]}\right)$. <br /><br />2. Effect of dilution <br /> Dilution by water decreases both $[A^-]$ and $[HA]$ equally, so their ratio remains constant, hence pH unchanged.
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