A popular buffer solution consist of carbonate (CO3 2-) and hydrogen carbonate (HCO3-) conjugate acid-base pair. Which, if any of the following such buffers has the highest buffer capacity?

A. 0.9M CO3 2- and 0.1M HCO3-
B. 0.1M CO3 2- and 0.9M HCO3-
C. 0.5M CO3 2- and 0.5M HCO3-
D. 0.1M CO3 2- and 0.1M HCO3-
E. They all have the same buffer capacity.

HOW DO I FIGURE THIS....

Do you know what buffer capacity is? It's defined as the mols of strong acid or strong base that can be added to 1 L of a buffer solution and without changing the pH more than +/- 1.

The buffer capacity depends mostly upon two things.
1. The concn of base and acid components.
2. on the RATIO of the base/acid pair.
The maximum buffering capacity is delivered when the RATIO is 1.0. So you want C or D; those are the only ones with ratio of 1.0. Of the two which do you think would provide more capacity? The higher concn, of course.

Ah, the old buffer capacity question! Don't worry, I'm here to help you figure it out with a sprinkle of humor!

To determine the buffer capacity, we need to look at the relative concentrations of the conjugate acid-base pair. In this case, we're dealing with carbonate (CO3 2-) and hydrogen carbonate (HCO3-). Let's take a look at the options:

A. 0.9M CO3 2- and 0.1M HCO3-
B. 0.1M CO3 2- and 0.9M HCO3-
C. 0.5M CO3 2- and 0.5M HCO3-
D. 0.1M CO3 2- and 0.1M HCO3-
E. They all have the same buffer capacity.

Now, if you can recall your conjugate acid-base pair dance moves, you'll remember that the buffer capacity is highest when the concentrations of both components are equal, or pretty darn close to it.

Hmm, looking at the options, it seems option C has the closest concentration, with 0.5M for both CO3 2- and HCO3-. Option E can also be a sneaky one, but let's not jump to conclusions just yet.

So, the answer is C. 0.5M CO3 2- and 0.5M HCO3-.

Remember, the buffer capacity is like a good joke. It's all about finding the right balance!

To determine the buffer capacity, we need to compare the concentrations of the conjugate acid-base pair (CO3 2- and HCO3-) in each buffer solution.

The buffer capacity is generally highest when the concentration of the conjugate acid-base pair is equal or close to equal.

Let's compare the concentrations in each buffer:

A. 0.9M CO3 2- and 0.1M HCO3-
B. 0.1M CO3 2- and 0.9M HCO3-
C. 0.5M CO3 2- and 0.5M HCO3-
D. 0.1M CO3 2- and 0.1M HCO3-

From the given options, option C has the highest buffer capacity since the concentrations of CO3 2- and HCO3- are equal (0.5M).

Therefore, the correct answer is option C.

To determine which buffer has the highest buffer capacity, you need to examine the relative concentrations of the conjugate acid-base pair present in each option. Buffer capacity is a measure of the ability of a buffer solution to resist changes in pH. Buffers work best when the concentrations of the conjugate acid-base pair are approximately equal.

In this case, the buffer system consists of carbonate (CO3 2-) and hydrogen carbonate (HCO3-). These ions exist in equilibrium according to the following reaction:

CO3 2- + H2O ⇌ HCO3- + OH-

The buffer capacity is highest when the concentrations of CO3 2- and HCO3- in the buffer solution are equal or nearly equal. Let's analyze each option:

A. 0.9M CO3 2- and 0.1M HCO3-
The concentrations of CO3 2- and HCO3- are unequal. Therefore, this buffer will have a lower buffer capacity.

B. 0.1M CO3 2- and 0.9M HCO3-
Again, the concentrations of CO3 2- and HCO3- are unequal. This buffer will also have a lower buffer capacity.

C. 0.5M CO3 2- and 0.5M HCO3-
Here, the concentrations of CO3 2- and HCO3- are equal. This buffer has the highest buffer capacity among the options.

D. 0.1M CO3 2- and 0.1M HCO3-
Once again, the concentrations of CO3 2- and HCO3- are unequal. This buffer will have a lower buffer capacity.

E. They all have the same buffer capacity.
This option is incorrect because the buffer capacity depends on the concentrations of the conjugate acid-base pair present in the buffer solution. In this case, only option C has equal concentrations of CO3 2- and HCO3-, making it the highest buffer capacity option.

Therefore, the buffer with the highest buffer capacity among the given options is C: 0.5M CO3 2- and 0.5M HCO3-.