buffer solution
- noun
- /ˈbʌfər səˈluːʃən/
- Specialized
:
solución tampón
- To maintain a stable pH level, researchers used a buffer solution made from acetic acid and sodium acetate.
Examples
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On the computer, the student calibrates the pH meter with two buffer solutions, measures the pH of a sample, and calculates the hydronium ion concentration of the sample.
Academic text (1994) -
Imaging in aqueous buffer solutions preserves the native structure of biomolecules, making it possible to follow, for example, the assembly of protein-DNA complexes.
Academic text (1995) -
Besides the pH electrode, a temperature probe and buffer solution are available as options.
Academic text (2001) -
These terms have their roots in their differing kinetic behavior in buffer solutions when the concentration of the acid HA is changed.
Academic text (2001) -
In a titration experiment, the scientist added a small amount of acid to the buffer solution to observe its effect on pH.
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During the experiment, the chemist ensured that the buffer solution effectively resisted changes in acidity despite the addition of base.
Synonyms
5
5.8
A liquid that keeps its acidity steady when acid or base is added
A liquid that helps keep acidity stable in body and lab tests
A liquid that keeps the acid level steady with phosphate
A liquid made at the start of an experiment to keep the pH steady
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound is directly compositional: 'buffer' (something that stabilizes) combined with 'solution' (a liquid mixture) yields a solution that stabilizes pH. This follows a common noun-noun formation and is predictable to a learner who knows both constituent meanings, so it is transparent.
Etymology
Buffer solution combines buffer (a cushion) and solution (a liquid). Imagine a cushion that stops a cup from moving; a buffer solution 'protects' a liquid's 'pH' from sudden 'change', so the name means a liquid that keeps pH steady.