What is the Difference Between Buffer Action and Buffer Capacity?

The difference between buffer action and buffer capacity lies in their definitions and the phenomena they describe:

• Buffer Action: This refers to the ability of a solution to resist changes in pH when acid or base is added to it. In other words, it is the solution's ability to remain unchanged upon the addition of a small amount of acid or base.
• Buffer Capacity: This refers to the quantity of acid or base that can be added to a solution before significant changes in pH occur. It is the amount of strong acid or base that can be absorbed before the pH changes significantly. The higher the concentration of the weak acid and the conjugate base, the higher the buffer capacity.

In summary, buffer action describes the ability of a solution to maintain a relatively constant pH when acid or base is added, while buffer capacity refers to the amount of acid or base that can be neutralized by the solution before pH changes significantly.

Comparative Table: Buffer Action vs Buffer Capacity

Buffer action and buffer capacity are two terms related to buffer solutions, which are aqueous solutions made up of a weak acid and its conjugate base. Here is a table summarizing the differences between buffer action and buffer capacity:

In summary, buffer action describes the ability of a solution to resist changes in pH, while buffer capacity refers to the amount of acid or base a buffer can neutralize before significant changes in pH occur. The higher the concentration of the weak acid and the conjugate base, the higher the buffer capacity.