Creating Buffer Solutions w/ NH4Br - Is it Possible?

[Fusilli_Jerry89]

Homework Statement

Can NH4Br be used to create a buffer solution?

Homework Equations

N/A

The Attempt at a Solution

I said yes because NH4+ is a weak acid, and its conjugate base, NH3 can be added to create a buffer solution. However, I am not sure whether having Br(the conj. base of a strong acid) will affect the buffer solution. Does only one of the two ions have to be a weak base/acid, or do both?

 

[symbolipoint]

Hydrogen halides, except of fluoride(?) become strong acids in water.

pH buffers can be made from mixing weak acid and salt of the weak acid; or mixing weak base and salt of the weak base.

 

[Blueshift5]

Yes, it is possible to create a buffer solution using NH4Br. As you mentioned, NH4+ is a weak acid and NH3 is its conjugate base, which can act as a buffer. The presence of Br- will not affect the buffer solution, as only one of the ions needs to be a weak acid/base for a buffer to form. Both ions do not need to be weak acid/base for a buffer solution to be created. However, the concentration of the weak acid/base and its conjugate base/acid must be in a specific ratio to effectively buffer against changes in pH. It is also important to consider the pKa values of the weak acid/base and its conjugate to determine the buffering capacity of the solution.