Science Common Sense

1762 - What is the definition, preparation and function of common ion effect and buffer solution?

I'll explain in a concise and easy-to-understand way for a 12-year-old.

Common Ion Effect: Definition: The common ion effect is when a solution with ions (charged particles) already present, changes its properties when another substance with the same ions is added.

Preparation: This effect is observed when a salt is added to a solution that already contains one of the ions present in the salt.

Function: It's used to control the concentration of ions in a solution, which is important in many chemical reactions.

Example: Imagine you have a solution of vinegar and you add baking soda, which has the same ions as vinegar. The reaction will slow down or stop because of the common ion effect.

Buffer Solution: Definition: A buffer solution is a mixture of two substances that helps keep the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of a solution stable, even when another acid or base is added.

Preparation: A buffer solution can be made by mixing a weak acid with its conjugate base or a weak base with its conjugate acid.

Function: Buffer solutions are used to maintain a stable pH in many applications, such as medicine, biology, and chemistry. They help to prevent big changes in pH that could damage living things or affect chemical reactions.

Example: Human blood is a natural buffer solution that keeps our body's pH stable.