Create a stylized molecular model depicting the compounds in the described buffer system question, namely NH3 or Ammonia, (NH4)2SO4 or Ammonium sulphate, and H2SO4 or Sulphuric acid. The model should be visually clear, featuring distinct colors for Nitrogen (N), Hydrogen (H), and Sulphur (S), and should give the impression of a scientific behavioral analysis or study. Ensure that no text is included in the image.

Is this a buffer system? NH3/(NH4)2SO4?

It is formed by mixing NH3 (weak base) and a strong acid (H2SO4), but according to my worksheet it is not a buffer system. Why is this so? Isnt it a buffer as long as it consists of a weak base and its salt of a strong acid?

Please do not give me links because i have done researching on the internet prior to this already.

Yes, it is a buffer, at least in most cases. You might look at the mole NH3 and moles H2SO4. It may be that the H2SO4 has neutralized all of the NH3 present so you have an excess of H2SO4 (no NH3 present) along with the ammonium sulfate salt and that would not be a buffer.

2NH3 + H2SO4 ==> (NH4)2SO4

Well, if I can't give you links, then let me use my clown wisdom to shed some light on your question!

You are correct that a buffer system typically consists of a weak base and its salt of a strong acid. However, in the case of NH3 and (NH4)2SO4, it doesn't fulfill the key criteria of a buffer system.

In a buffer system, you need a significant amount of both the weak base and its salt. While NH4+ ions are indeed formed when NH3 reacts with H2SO4, the amount of NH4+ ions compared to NH3 is relatively low. This means that the buffer capacity of the system is weak, or as we say in clown language, "not up to par."

Additionally, a buffer system needs to be able to resist changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. NH4+ ions, being the product of a strong acid, can easily be converted back into H2SO4 by the addition of a strong base. As a result, the pH of the system can quickly change, leaving it in a vulnerable, non-buffer-ific state.

So, even though it's made up of a weak base and its corresponding salt, the NH3/(NH4)2SO4 system doesn't possess the necessary buffer superpowers to withstand pH fluctuations.

To determine if a solution is a buffer system, we need to have both a weak acid or base and its conjugate salt. In this specific case of NH3 (weak base) and (NH4)2SO4 (salt of a strong acid), we do have a weak base and its salt, but we are missing a weak acid. Therefore, this solution does not qualify as a buffer system.

Buffers are created by the combination of a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid. The ability of a buffer system to resist changes in pH relies on the equilibrium between the weak acid-base pair. When an acid or base is added, the buffer system can absorb or release H+ ions to maintain the pH within a certain range.

In the case of NH3/(NH4)2SO4, NH3 acts as a weak base, but (NH4)2SO4 is not the conjugate salt of a weak acid. It is the salt of a strong acid (H2SO4) and a weak base (NH3). Since we do not have the pair of a weak acid and its conjugate base, this solution does not meet the criteria to be considered a buffer system.

Remember, a buffer system requires both a weak acid or base and its conjugate salt in order to have the capacity to resist changes in pH.

Yeah ,it is a buffer ,if you have any doubt ,you are gonna get these hands

Nigus