scale with values from 0 to 14, used to measure the strength of acids and bases in a substance; a pH of 0 to 7 is acidic, a pH of 7 is neutral, and a pH of 7 to 14 is basic
pH scale
The pH scale is a measurement system used to determine the acidity or basicity of a substance. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values less than 7 considered acidic, 7 considered neutral, and values greater than 7 considered basic.
Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H+) when dissolved in water, causing the solution to become more acidic. The more hydrogen ions present in a solution, the lower the pH and the more acidic the solution.
Bases are substances that release hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water, causing the solution to become more basic. The more hydroxide ions present in a solution, the higher the pH and the more basic the solution.
It is important to note that pH is a logarithmic scale, meaning that each whole number change in pH represents a tenfold difference in acidity or basicity. For example, a substance with a pH of 3 is ten times more acidic than a substance with a pH of 4.
The pH scale has practical applications in a variety of fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science. For instance, in the human body, a pH level that is too high or too low can have negative health consequences. Additionally, the pH of soil and water can impact plant growth and affect the survival of aquatic organisms.
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