Question

What is buffer in chemistry?

Answer 1

A buffer in general is something that reduces the impact of a stimulus on an specific environment.

In chemistry, a buffer acts to maintain the pH at a certain level after the addition of a an acid or a base.

For example, a solution contains a buffer and has a pH of 7. When a strong acid, like HCl for example, is added the solution will not drastically change its pH because of the mechanism of the buffer.

Depending on what level of chemistry you are in, I can go in to more detail if you need. Hope this helps