pH
Introduction
PH, quantitative
measure of the acidity or basicity of aqueous or other liquid solutions. A
pH scale is a tool for measuring acids and bases. The scale ranges from 0-14.
Litmus paper is an indicator used to tell if a substance is an acid or a base.
The colour of the paper matches up with the numbers on the pH scale to indicate
what kind of substance is being tested. A solution with a pH
less than 7 is considered acidic; a solution with a pH greater than
7 is considered basic, or alkaline.
Quantitatively, a universal
indicator is used to determine the acid strength and base strength, which works
by showing different colours at different concentrations of the hydrogen ions
in the solution. Most commonly, the value of pH of bases and acids is
used to determine their quantitative strength.
pH
Definition
pH is defined as the negative logarithm of H+ ion
concentration. Hence the meaning of the name pH is justified as the power of
hydrogen.
The pH scale is logarithmic and
shows the solution’s concentration of hydrogen ions inversely. More
specifically, the pH of the solution is the negative logarithm to the base 10
of its hydrogen ion concentration in moles per litre.
The pH scale is logarithmic and inversely indicates the activity of hydrogen ions in the solution
where [H+] is the equilibrium molar concentration (mol/L) of H+ in the solution. At
25 °C (77°F), solutions with a pH less than 7
are acidic, and solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic. Solutions with a
pH of 7 at 25 °C are neutral (i.e.
have the same concentration of H+ ions as OH− ions,
i.e. the same as pure water).
The Importance of pH
The concept of pH and pH
measurement plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. Doctors and
scientists universally agree on this as well. The pH level or the possible
hydrogen level in one’s body is determined by the type of food and drink one
consumes. It thus becomes vital for us to help our body create and maintain a
healthy pH ratio of 70:30, that is, alkaline to acid. Most diseases,
illnesses, and harmful bacteria can thrive in over-acidic environments.
Unbalanced pH levels usually result from the pH being too
acidic.
