The pH number is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH less than 7 indicates acidity, while a pH greater than 7 indicates a base.
Here's a breakdown of the pH scale:
- 0-6: Increasingly acidic
- 7: Neutral
- 8-14: Increasingly alkaline or basic
The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number change in pH represents a tenfold change in acidity or alkalinity. For example, a solution with a pH of 5 is ten times more acidic than a solution with a pH of 6.
Examples of pH values:
- Battery acid: pH 0
- Lemon juice: pH 2
- Vinegar: pH 3
- Pure water: pH 7
- Baking soda: pH 9
- Bleach: pH 12
- Sodium hydroxide: pH 14
Practical insights:
- pH is important in various fields: agriculture, chemistry, biology, environmental science, and food production.
- pH affects plant growth: different plants thrive at specific pH levels.
- pH influences chemical reactions: many reactions are pH-dependent.
- pH is used in water treatment: to ensure safe drinking water.
In conclusion, the pH number is a crucial indicator of a substance's acidity or alkalinity and has significant implications in various scientific disciplines.
