What is meant by pH?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the definition and significance of pH, which is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. pH is calculated based on the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution, and it plays a crucial role in various scientific fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science.
Answer
pH measures acidity or alkalinity, with 7 neutral, <7 acidic, >7 basic.
The pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, defined as the negative logarithm of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in moles per liter. A pH of 7 is neutral, less than 7 is acidic, and greater than 7 is basic (alkaline).
Answer for screen readers
The pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, defined as the negative logarithm of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in moles per liter. A pH of 7 is neutral, less than 7 is acidic, and greater than 7 is basic (alkaline).
More Information
The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning that each whole number pH change represents a tenfold change in acidity. For example, a pH of 5 is 10 times more acidic than a pH of 6.
Tips
A common mistake is misunderstanding that the pH scale is logarithmic. Therefore, small changes in pH represent significant changes in acidity.
Sources
- Definition of pH - NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms - cancer.gov
- PH | Definition, Uses, & Facts - Britannica - britannica.com
- What is pH? | US EPA - epa.gov
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