buffer (chemistry)

A system which resists change. In chemistry, usually a solution whose pH is not greatly affected by small additions of strong acids or bases. This is most effective when an acid and its conjugate base are present in approximately equal amounts. Some important buffer systems and the approximate pH at which they operate are: acetate (CH₃COOH and CH₃COO^?), 4–5; carbonate (H₂CO₃ and HCO₃^?), 6–8; and ammonia (NH₄⁺ and NH₃), 9–10. Biological systems are particularly dependent upon buffers to maintain constant pH values.

Buffer can refer to:

Buffer state, a country lying between two potentially hostile greater powers, thought to prevent conflict between them Buffer zone, any area that keeps two or more other areas distant from one another, may be demilitarized Buffer (rail transport), a device that cushions the impact of vehicles against each other Buffer stop (bumper in U.S.), a device to prevent railway vehicles from going past the end of a section of track Recoil buffer, an accessory for firearms, to cushion the impact of recoil Film loop, isolates intermittent motion in a movie projector

In chemistry:

Buffer solution, in chemistry, stabilizes the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of a liquid Buffer gas, an inert or nonflammable gas

In geology:

Mineral redox buffer, a mineral assemblage which stabilises oxidation state in natural rock systems

In electronics and computer science:

Buffer (computer science), memory used to temporarily store output or input data Buffer (telecommunication), a routine or storage medium used to compensate for a difference in rate of flow of data between devices Buffer amplifier (also sometimes simply called a buffer) is an isolating circuit used in electronics or telecommunications Buffer (optical fiber), a component used to encapsulate one or more optical fibers in a fiber optic communication cable Vacuum column, isolates intermittent motion in a Magnetic tape drive

In MMORPG:

Buff (MMORPG terminology), common title for character classes which primary function is to enhance other character's abilities (most often in some magic way).