An acetate buffer is a solution made by combining acetic acid and its conjugate base, acetate ion. It resists changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added.
Related terms
Conjugate Base: The conjugate base is formed when an acid donates a proton (H+) during a chemical reaction.
Acidic pH: A low pH value (less than 7) indicates an acidic solution with high concentration of H+ ions.
Basic Solution: A basic solution has a high concentration of OH- ions and typically has a pH greater than 7.