Questions and Answers
A pH of 7 is a ______ solution.
neutral
Solutions with a pH below 7 are considered ______.
acidic
A ______ is any compound that forms OH– ions in a solution.
base
Buffers are substances produced by cells that prevent sharp, sudden changes in ______.
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Acids have a pH of ______ 7.
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Study Notes
The pH Scale
- The pH scale measures hydrogen ion (H+) concentration in a solution.
- It ranges from 0 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly basic).
- A pH of 7 is considered neutral; pure water has this pH.
- Solutions with pH below 7 are acidic, indicating higher H+ ion concentrations.
- Solutions with pH above 7 are basic, indicating lower H+ ion concentrations.
Acids
- Acids are compounds that release H+ ions when dissolved in a solution.
- Acidic solutions have a higher concentration of H+ ions compared to pure water.
- Acids are characterized by a pH lower than 7.
- Common examples include lemon juice, tomato juice, carbonated beverages, and vinegar.
Bases
- Bases are compounds that generate hydroxide ions (OH–) in a solution.
- Basic solutions have a lower concentration of H+ ions relative to pure water.
- Bases exhibit a pH higher than 7.
- Notable examples include ammonia, soaps, bleach, and sodium bicarbonate.
Buffers
- Human cells typically maintain a pH between 6 and 8 for optimal functioning.
- Deviations in pH can impede essential chemical reactions within cells.
- It is crucial for cells to regulate their pH levels.
- Buffers are biological substances that help stabilize pH, preventing rapid changes.
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Description
Test your knowledge of acids, bases, and the pH scale with this quiz. Learn about the characteristics of acids, the definition of pH, and the significance of neutral, acidic, and basic solutions. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand these fundamental chemistry concepts.
