Question

What is the \(\mathrm{pH}\) range for a basic solution?

Short answer

A basic solution has a pH greater than 7, up to 14.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the pH Scale

The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or basic a solution is. It ranges from 0 to 14, where a pH of 7 is considered neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is basic.

Identify the pH Range for Basic Solutions

Since basic solutions have a pH above neutral, the range for a basic solution is any pH greater than 7, up to 14.

Confirm the pH Upper Limit

The upper limit of the pH scale is 14, and a basic solution will have a pH in the range from just above 7 to 14. Therefore, the pH range for a basic solution is greater than 7 and less than or equal to 14.

Key concepts

basic solution

A basic solution, sometimes referred to as an alkaline solution, has a pH value greater than 7. The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, and any value over 7 indicates a basic nature. Here is why understanding basic solutions is important:

• **Chemical Bases**: Basic solutions are characterized by the presence of excess hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in the solution. These are typical in household substances like baking soda or soap.
• **Reactivity**: In chemical reactions, bases can neutralize acids. This makes them useful in various applications, such as cleaning and industrial processes.
• **pH Measurement**: Bases have a slippery feel and can turn red litmus paper blue, which is an easy way to test for basicity.

The pH of a solution is a crucial indicator of its properties and reactivity. Basic solutions play a significant role in balancing chemical equations and forming salts through reactions with acids. Remember, a stronger base will have a higher pH, closer to 14. By understanding these properties, one can predict how substances will interact in different environments.

acidic solution

An acidic solution is one where the pH value is less than 7. Acidic solutions are common in both natural and industrial contexts. Here are important aspects to understand:

• **Chemical Acids**: These solutions have a high concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺). Typical examples include lemon juice or vinegar, which are common everyday acids.
• **Impact on Environment**: Acids can have corrosive effects on materials and are actively involved in processes like digestion, where stomach acid helps break down food.
• **Indicators of Acidity**: Acids can change the color of blue litmus paper to red, which is a simple test to determine acidity.

Acidic solutions have critical industrial applications, including in the manufacture of fertilizers and etching metals. The properties of acids, such as their ability to donate protons, make them fundamental in chemical reactions. In dilute solutions or mixtures, even a small change in pH can significantly alter the chemical behavior of the solution. Thus, knowing the acidity of a solution is essential for safe handling and application.

neutral pH

The neutral pH is a unique point on the pH scale, represented exactly by the value 7. This is a well-balanced midpoint where neither acidity nor basicity predominates. Here are key points about neutral pH:

• **Distilled Water Example**: Pure water at room temperature is the most common example of a neutral pH substance, facilitating many biological and chemical processes without affecting pH.
• **Equilibrium State**: At neutral pH, there is a balance between hydrogen ions (H⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻), resulting in no net charge or strong reactivity.
• **Biological Importance**: Many biological systems, including human blood, are maintained close to neutral pH to ensure proper physiological functions.

Understanding neutral pH is important for contexts like environmental science, where body of water pH levels can indicate the health of an ecosystem. Solutions with a neutral pH are often used as a benchmark to compare how acidic or basic other solutions are. This concept is a foundational piece in chemistry and biology, establishing a baseline for the chemical properties of substances.