Question detail

Which of the following is an application of buffer solutions?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

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At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Acids and bases (A-level only)

Question

A. Maintaining the pH of blood
B. Increasing the acidity of a solution
C. Neutralizing strong acids
D. Diluting concentrated acids

Answer

Maintaining the pH of blood

Explanation

The correct option is Maintaining the pH of blood. Maintaining the pH of blood is the best answer because it directly supports the AQA A-Level Chemistry objective to explain applications of buffer solutions. This reasoning is anchored to Buffer action (A-level only) in Acids and bases (A-level only), and it separates buffer from similar A-Level ideas rather than relying on a vague recall statement. Other options are weaker if they use the wrong evidence, calculation, mechanism, observation, unit, or conclusion for this subtopic.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Buffer Applications

Students often confuse the applications of buffer solutions, thinking they only work in specific pH ranges rather than understanding their role in maintaining pH stability in various biological and chemical systems.

To clarify, buffer solutions resist changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. For example, in biological systems, buffers maintain blood pH around 7.4. Recognize that buffers can be effective across a range of pH values, depending on their composition. Always relate the buffer's components to the specific application, such as in metabolic processes or laboratory settings.

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