pH Scale, Acids, and Bases

The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or basic a solution is, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral.

An acid is a substance that has a pH less than 7 and can donate hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution.

A base is a substance that has a pH greater than 7 and can accept hydrogen ions (H+) or donate hydroxide ions (OH-) in a solution.

A neutral solution has a pH of 7, meaning it has an equal concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-).

A pH level less than 7 is considered acidic.

A pH level greater than 7 is considered basic.

The pH of pure water is 7, which is neutral.

When an acid and a base are mixed, they can neutralize each other, often producing water and a salt.

Hydrochloric acid typically has a pH around 1, making it very acidic.

Bleach has a pH of around 13, making it a strong base.