At this point, we know that a buffer contains both an acid and a base. But let's be a little bit more specific here. We're going to say when it comes to buffer creation, there are three ways to create a buffer. Now, the first way to make a buffer is to have either a weak acid or base with its conjugate O. For example, here we have 0.40 molar of ammonia and 0.40 molar of ammonium ion. We can look at this two different ways. We could say that an H3 represents a weak base and the ammonium ion represents its conjugate acid. Or we could say that ammonium ion represents a weak acid because it's a positive amine and ammonia represents its conjugate base. Whichever way you look at it, you're technically correct, right?

So the 1st way to make a buffer is to have a weak acid or base with its conjugate, now an ideal buffer. Which is the best type of buffer? This is the one that makes the most resistance to changes in pH. This happens when your weak acid or base is equal in concentration to its conjugate. So here we have 0.40 of both of these compounds and ions. This will be an ideal buffer.

Now the next two ways, The 2nd way to make a buffer is to have a strong acid with a weak base. Here we'd say that the weak base needs to be greater or higher in concentration. OK, so we have something strong versus something weak. The weak species needs to be greater in amount. So for example, here we have 0.20 molar of hydrochloric acid, which is a strong acid. And then here we have methylamine. It's a neutral amine, so it represents a weak base. For us to have a successful buffer, the weak base must be higher in amount than the strong acid. So here let me put 0.30 molar. Here the weak base is greater in amount, so this could create a buffer.

Now the final way to make a buffer is to have the opposite. Now my base is strong and my acid is weak. But again the weak species. In this case the weak acid, needs to be higher in concentration or higher in amount. Here we have 1.3 molar of potassium amide which is a strong base and here we have sulfurous acid. Here sulfurous acid represents a weak diprotic acid. Again, you want to make sure that your weak species, in this case the weak acid, is greater in amount to ensure the creation of a buffer. So here let me put 2 molar. Also furious acid, right?

So just remember, a buffer is an acid and base together and these are the three specific ways to make any type of buffer.