Chemistry: Buffer calculations and interpretation of titration curves (A2 and IB students)

This resource consists of 9 pages of notes and calculation examples and a three 2-page worksheets to help the teacher or student grapple with buffer calculations. The target is A2 and IB students.

The wk/s 4 and 5 (and answers) are essentially a titration on paper where a specific weak acid (or base) is gradually titrated (each problem a new calculation) to show the student the effect the addition of OH ions has on the final pH. Itis a chance to repeat the same calculation multiple times. The format ensures students get to practice on the same system and therefore minimise cognitive overload. Students are encouraged to think about what species are in solution and what part of the titration curve each calculation relates to.

I also encourage a novel way of setting out the calculations, which I (and my students) believe minimises potential mistakes.