What does the term "buffering" refer to in electrical systems?

Buffering in electrical systems refers specifically to the use of capacitors or inductors to stabilize voltage or current fluctuations. When electrical signals fluctuate due to varying loads or other factors, these components act as buffers to smooth out these variations.

Capacitors, for instance, can store energy and release it when there is a drop in voltage, effectively maintaining a steadier voltage level. Inductors can respond to changes in current by resisting changes in the flow, thereby helping to maintain a consistent current. This stabilization is vital for the proper functioning of electronic devices, as it helps avoid spikes or dips that could potentially harm sensitive components or disrupt the performance of circuits.

The other options involve different functions within electrical systems, such as rectification with diodes, voltage transformation with transformers, and current limitation using resistors. While these functions are essential, they do not directly relate to the stabilization aspect that buffering provides.