Buffers

Buffers are solutions that help maintain a stable pH level when acids or bases are added. Think of them as a kind of chemical safety net: they prevent drastic changes in acidity or alkalinity, much like a sponge absorbs spills. Buffers are important in many biological processes, like maintaining the pH of blood and other bodily fluids, ensuring that enzymes and cells can function properly. Common examples include bicarbonate in our blood and vinegar mixed with baking soda, which together can resist changes in pH despite the addition of acids or bases.