In the lab, what does the term buffer refer to?

The term "buffer" in a laboratory context refers to a solution that can resist changes in pH when small amounts of an acid or a base are added. Buffers are typically made from a weak acid and its conjugate base or a weak base and its conjugate acid. This capability to maintain a stable pH is crucial in many chemical and biological processes where fluctuations in acidity could impact the behavior of the solution.

Understanding how buffers work is important for various laboratory analyses, especially in wastewater treatment, where maintaining an optimal pH is crucial for the effectiveness of biological processes and chemical reactions. Therefore, the correct answer relates directly to the concept of opposing changes in the composition of the solution, allowing researchers and analysts to maintain consistent experimental conditions.