Dilute hydrochloric acid is gradually added to a solution that is buffered at pH 4.76. How will the pH of the solution be affected?

A. The pH will gradually approach 4.76.

B. The pH will initially remain close to 4.76, then increase quickly when the buffering capacity is exceeded

C. The PH will initially remain close to 4.76 then decrease quickly when the buffer capacity is exceeded

D. The pH will remain close to 4.76 indefinitely