Buffers In chemistry

A buffer is a solution that can resist pH change upon the addition of an acidic or basic components. It is able to moderate the pH of a reaction.

A mixture of a conjugate acid-base pair that can resist changes in pH when small volumes of strong acids or bases are added. Buffers are made of a

weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and a conjugate strong acid. In a strong base and weak acid micture, the strong base is added,

and the acid present in the buffer neutralizes the hydroxide ions (OH-). Hydroxide is what makes it more basic. In a mixture with a strong acid and a

weak base, a strong acid is added, and the base present in the buffer neutralizes the hydronium ions (H30+). Hydronium ions make the solution

more acidic (acid H+ or H3O+ workup).