What is pH?
pH is a measure of how acidic or basic (alkaline) a solution is. It quantifies the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in a solution, with a higher concentration indicating greater acidity and a lower concentration indicating greater basicity.
The pH Scale Explained
The pH scale typically ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, like pure water. Solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic, meaning they have a higher concentration of H⁺ ions. Solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic, or alkaline, indicating a lower concentration of H⁺ ions and a higher concentration of hydroxide (OH⁻) ions.
Everyday Examples of pH
Common examples help illustrate pH. Lemon juice and vinegar are acidic, with pH values typically between 2 and 3. Pure water is neutral at pH 7. Baking soda solutions and many household cleaners are basic, often having pH values around 9 or 10, while strong drain cleaners can have pH values up to 14.
Why is pH Important?
Understanding pH is crucial across many fields. In biology, maintaining a stable pH is vital for enzyme function and bodily processes, such as blood pH. In agriculture, soil pH affects nutrient availability for plants. Industrially, pH control is essential for chemical manufacturing, water treatment, and food preservation.