Question

Buffer solution is destroyed when _____________

(a) addition of weak base

(b) addition of strong acid or base

(c) addition of weak acid

(d) addition of a salt

The question was posed to me in a job interview.

My query is from Equilibrium in portion Equilibrium of Chemistry – Class 11

Answer 1

Correct answer is (a) addition of weak base

The best explanation: If the addition of a strong acid or base changes the pH of a buffer by unit, the buffer solution is assumed to be destroyed that is new pH = pKa ± 1; that means [salt]/[acid] or [acid]/[salt] = 10 or 1/10.