In general chemistry, what is the primary purpose of a buffer solution?

• A. To maintain a constant temperature during an acid-base reaction
• B. To completely neutralize any added acid or base so that the pH becomes 7.00
• C. To resist significant changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added
• D. To increase the pH of any solution by consuming $H_3{O}_{+}$ ions

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a buffer solution is designed to maintain the pH of a solution within a narrow range, even when small amounts of acid or base are added.
2. Recall that buffers typically consist of a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid, which work together to neutralize added H\_3O\^+ or OH\^- ions.
3. Recognize that the primary function of a buffer is not to maintain temperature, nor to completely neutralize acids or bases to reach a pH of exactly 7.00.
4. Note that buffers resist changes in pH by reacting with added acids or bases, thereby minimizing the change in hydrogen ion concentration.
5. Conclude that the correct purpose of a buffer solution is to resist significant changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added.