PH
pH is a measure of the acidic or basic character of a substance. The normal PH is 7.35.
pH is a logarithmic scale used in chemistry to specify the acidity or basicity (alkalinity) of an aqueous solution. Solutions with a pH less than 7 are considered acidic, while those with a pH greater than 7 are basic or alkaline. A solution with a pH of 7 is considered neutral, neither acidic nor basic.
Definition[edit | edit source]
The pH scale measures the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution.
Importance in Nature[edit | edit source]
The pH of a solution can greatly affect biological systems. Most biological processes occur at a pH near 7, and significant deviations can result in harmful effects.
Human Body[edit | edit source]
The human body maintains a tightly controlled pH level, especially in the blood, which has a pH of approximately 7.4. Changes in this pH, a condition called acidosis or alkalosis, can be harmful and even life-threatening.
Measurement[edit | edit source]
Various methods exist to measure pH, including:
- pH indicators: substances that change color in response to different pH levels.
- pH meters: electronic devices that measure pH with high precision.
pH in Everyday Life[edit | edit source]
The pH of everyday substances can vary widely:
- Lemon juice and vinegar are acidic with a pH of around 2.
- Baking soda and soap are basic with a pH above 7.
Importance in Industry[edit | edit source]
pH plays a crucial role in many industrial processes, including:
See Also[edit | edit source]
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD