Acid Rain and pH Effects on Environment

Study Notes

pH and the Human Body

The human body functions optimally within a narrow pH range of 7 to 7.8.
The pH of gastric juice in the stomach is 1.4, which helps kill harmful bacteria in food and protects against disease.
Digestive enzymes in the stomach function well in acidic conditions.
Excessive acid secretion in the stomach can cause acidity, often triggered by eating spicy food or overheating.
Treatment for acidity involves taking antacids, such as milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2).

pH and Acid Rain

Rainwater with a pH of 5.6 or lower is classified as acid rain.
Acid rain can negatively impact aquatic life, making it difficult for fish and other organisms to survive in rivers and ponds.

pH and Soil

Soil that is too acidic can be treated with basic materials like CaCO3 or CaOH to reclaim it.
Soil that is too basic can be treated with organic decomposition materials to lower its pH.
Organic substances, when decomposed, form CO2, which reacts with water to form carbonic acid, decreasing the pH.

pH and Tooth Decay

A pH of 7 or higher in the mouth indicates a basic environment, which can lead to the formation of acid from food particles.
When the pH of the mouth falls below 5.5, tooth decay can occur, causing corrosion of the calcium phosphate layer in teeth.
Using toothpaste, which is basic in nature, can help neutralize acid formed in the mouth and prevent tooth decay.

pH and the Human Body

The human body functions optimally within a narrow pH range of 7 to 7.8.
The pH of gastric juice in the stomach is 1.4, which helps kill harmful bacteria in food and protects against disease.
Digestive enzymes in the stomach function well in acidic conditions.
Excessive acid secretion in the stomach can cause acidity, often triggered by eating spicy food or overheating.
Treatment for acidity involves taking antacids, such as milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2).

pH and Acid Rain

Rainwater with a pH of 5.6 or lower is classified as acid rain.
Acid rain can negatively impact aquatic life, making it difficult for fish and other organisms to survive in rivers and ponds.

pH and Soil

Soil that is too acidic can be treated with basic materials like CaCO3 or CaOH to reclaim it.
Soil that is too basic can be treated with organic decomposition materials to lower its pH.
Organic substances, when decomposed, form CO2, which reacts with water to form carbonic acid, decreasing the pH.

pH and Tooth Decay

A pH of 7 or higher in the mouth indicates a basic environment, which can lead to the formation of acid from food particles.
When the pH of the mouth falls below 5.5, tooth decay can occur, causing corrosion of the calcium phosphate layer in teeth.
Using toothpaste, which is basic in nature, can help neutralize acid formed in the mouth and prevent tooth decay.

Description

This quiz covers the effects of acid rain on aquatic life and soil pH, including its impact on plants and treatment methods. Learn how acid rain affects the environment and how to reclaim acidic soil.