What happens to buffer capacity when total buffer concentration increases?

What happens to buffer capacity when total buffer concentration increases?

• A. Buffer capacity increases.
• B. Buffer capacity decreases.
• C. Buffer capacity stays the same.
• D. Buffer capacity becomes infinite.

Answer: (A)

Buffer capacity is the amount of acid or base a buffer can neutralize before the pH changes significantly. Increasing the total concentration of the buffer components (the weak acid and its conjugate base) provides more molecules to react with added H+ or OH−. If you raise both forms in roughly the same ratio, the pH stays about the same because pH depends on the ratio of conjugate base to weak acid, but there are more molecules available to absorb the added protons or hydroxide ions. So the buffer can handle a larger amount of strong acid or base before the pH shifts, meaning buffer capacity increases with higher total buffer concentration.

Buffer capacity is the amount of acid or base a buffer can neutralize before the pH changes significantly. Increasing the total concentration of the buffer components (the weak acid and its conjugate base) provides more molecules to react with added H+ or OH−. If you raise both forms in roughly the same ratio, the pH stays about the same because pH depends on the ratio of conjugate base to weak acid, but there are more molecules available to absorb the added protons or hydroxide ions. So the buffer can handle a larger amount of strong acid or base before the pH shifts, meaning buffer capacity increases with higher total buffer concentration.