Objectives

You have completed this lesson when you can:

1. Describe equilibrium in terms of reversible reactions (reactions which proceed in both forward and reverse directions)

2. Describe acid strength and base strength in terms of reversible reactions and equilibrium, using the terms "strong" "weak" and "negligible"

3. Recognize and distinguish between strong and weak acids/bases when given their formulas

4. Relate the strength (strong/weak/negligible) of an acid to the strength of its conjugate base and vice versa

5. Write equilibrium constant expressions (K_a and K_b) for acids and bases

6. Relate the strength of an acid/base to its K_a or K_b value

7. Perform calculations relating K_a and K_b values to concentrations of acids/bases and hydronium/hydroxide ions

8. Define hydrolysis and recognize substances that will undergo hydrolysis

9. Write equations representing hydrolysis reactions of ionic compounds

10. Identify from the formula of a salt whether it will form an acidic, basic, or neutral solution in water

11. Describe and recognize the chemical composition of a buffer solution

12. Describe the function of buffers, both in terms of their mechanism and their application in biological and laboratory settings