pH Scale and importance of pH in daily life

Acid

An acid is a substance which forms H+ ions as the only positive ion in aqueous solution.

Examples:-

Hydrochloric acid dissolved in water forms H+ and Cl ions
HCl —> H+ + Cl

 

Sulphuric acid dissolved in water forms H+ and SO42- ions
H2SO4 —>2H+ + SO42-

 

Nitric acid forms H+ and NO3 ions when dissolved in water
HNO3 —> H+ + NO3

 

Ethanoic acid,also know as acetic acid, forms H+ and CH3COO ions in water
CH3COOH —> H+ + CH3COO

Acetone, also known as propanone, doesn’t form any ions in water, so it isn’t an acid.
CH3COCH3 just dissolves in water.
Methane, CH4, doesn’t form any ions in water, so this isn’t an acid either.
So just containing hydrogen doesn’t make something an Arrhenius acid.

 

Properties of Acids

  • tastes sour
  • acids change blue litmus to red
  • their aqueous (water) solutions conduct electricity (i.e. they are electrolytes)
  • react with bases to form salts and water as the only products
  • evolve hydrogen gas (H2) upon reaction with an active Metal, such as alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, zinc, iron, aluminum, forming a salt as the only other product
  • Evolve carbon dioxide on reacting with metal carbonates.

 

Base

An alkali is a substance which forms OH- ions as the only negative ion in aqueous solution. A base is an insoluble hydroxide.

Examples:-

Sodium hydroxide, when dissolved in water, forms Na+ and OH ions
NaOH —> Na+ + OH

 

Calcium hydroxide dissolves in water to give Ca+ and OH ions
Ca(OH)2 —> Ca2+ + 2 OH

Ethanol CH3CH2OH does not form OH ions when dissolved in water, so it isn’t a base.
Ethanol just dissolves. Strictly speaking, ethanol actually forms a tiny amount of H+ ions in water and is a very weak acid.

 

Properties of Bases

  • taste bitter
  • feel slippery or soapy (But don’t touch them! They react with your skin to form soap.)
  • bases turn red (acidified) litmus back to blue
  • their aqueous (water) solutions conduct electricity (i.e. they are electrolytes)
  • react with acids to form salts and water as the only products

 

pH  Scale

A measure of the degree of the acidity or the alkalinity of a solution as measured on a scale (pH scale) of 0 to 14. The midpoint of 7.0 on the pH scale represents neutrality, i.e., a “neutral” solution is neither acid nor alkaline. Numbers below 7.0 indicate acidity; numbers greater than 7.0 indicate alkalinity. It is important to understand that pH is a measure of intensity, and not capacity; i.e., pH indicates the intensity of alkalinity in the same way temperature tells how hot something is, but not how much heat the substance carries.

The pH scale is logarithmic which means that moving on (unit either way on the pH scale results in a 10 fold increase in the degree of alkalinity or acidity.

Classification, pH, Product

Acidic

  • 0-1 Hydrochloric, Sulfuric, Nitric Acids
  • 1-2 Phosphoric, Sulfamic Acids
  • 2.0 Citrus Fruit
  • 6.0 Milk

Neutral

  • 7.0-7.5 Water, Sugar, Table Salt

 Alkaline

  • 8.0 Eggs
  • 11.0 Ammonia
  • 13-14 Caustic Soda, Degreasers

Products at the two extremes (less than pH 1 or greater than pH 13) are extremely oppressive and corrosive. Examples include sulfuric and hydrochloric acid on the acid end, and caustic soda on the alkaline end. Use solutions of phosphoric or sulfamic acid cleaners, typically in the pH range of slightly less than 2, may be described as “safe” acids comparison to the stronger acids. Of course, necessary safety precautions (eye and hand protection) as noted on the Material Safety Data Sheet should always be followed.

As an illustration of their non-aggressive behavior in comparison to stronger acids, products containing sulfamic or phosphoric acid were found to result in no chemical attacks on nylon carpets. On the other hand, a hydrochloric or powder acid-based product would basically dissolve the fibers.

Other than the two pH extremes, the pH scale becomes secondary to the inherent properties of the specific chemical in terms of corrosiveness. As an example, the pH of carbonated cola soda (which contains phosphoric acid) is in the 2.5 range. A concentrated (35%) hydrogen peroxide solution has a pH of approximately 3.5. Carbonated cola soda may be slightly irritating to the eyes, causing no permanent damage. However, a 35% hydrogen peroxide solution will cause chemical burns to the skin or mucous membranes. Thus, it is not the pH factor alone that causes corrosion of products to surfaces.

 

 

 ,

The pH scale is a logarithmic scale that ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, a pH below 7 is acidic, and a pH above 7 is alkaline. The pH of a substance is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity.

The pH of a substance is important because it can affect the way that the substance reacts with other substances. For example, acids can react with bases to form salts. The pH of a substance can also affect the way that the substance is absorbed by the body. For example, acidic foods can irritate the stomach lining, while alkaline foods can help to neutralize stomach acid.

The pH of the body is important because it helps to regulate the body’s functions. The pH of the blood is tightly controlled at a pH of 7.35-7.45. If the pH of the blood falls outside of this range, it can lead to serious Health problems, such as coma or death.

The pH of food and drink can also affect the body’s pH. Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits and tomatoes, can lower the body’s pH, while alkaline foods, such as vegetables and fruits, can raise the body’s pH. The pH of food and drink can also affect the way that the body absorbs nutrients. For example, calcium is more easily absorbed from alkaline foods than from acidic foods.

The pH of cleaning products is important because it can affect the way that the products clean. Acidic cleaning products are good at removing grease and oil, while alkaline cleaning products are good at removing dirt and grime. The pH of cleaning products can also affect the way that the products interact with other surfaces. For example, acidic cleaning products can corrode metal surfaces, while alkaline cleaning products can damage some types of flooring.

The pH of the Environment is important because it can affect the health of Plants and animals. The pH of the Soil can affect the availability of nutrients for plants. The pH of the water can affect the health of fish and other aquatic life. The pH of the air can affect the health of humans and other animals.

The pH of the body, food and drink, cleaning products, and the environment are all important factors that can affect our health. It is important to be aware of the pH of these substances and to make choices that will help to maintain a healthy pH balance.

Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy pH balance:

  • Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol.
  • Use natural cleaning products whenever possible.
  • Reduce your exposure to Air Pollution.
  • Get regular exercise.

By following these tips, you can help to maintain a healthy pH balance and improve your overall health.

What is pH?

pH is a measure of how acidic or basic a substance is. It is a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Substances with a pH below 7 are acidic, and substances with a pH above 7 are basic.

What is the importance of pH in daily life?

pH is important in many aspects of daily life, including:

  • Food and drink: The pH of food and drink can affect our taste buds and our health. For example, acidic foods can cause heartburn, while basic foods can cause diarrhea.
  • Body functions: The pH of our blood and other bodily fluids must be kept within a narrow range for us to stay healthy. If the pH of our blood gets too high or too low, it can lead to serious health problems, such as coma or death.
  • Cleaning products: The pH of cleaning products can affect how effective they are at removing dirt and grime. For example, acidic cleaners are good at removing grease and oil, while basic cleaners are good at removing dirt and grime.
  • Cosmetics: The pH of cosmetics can affect how they work and how they feel on our skin. For example, acidic cosmetics can irritate our skin, while basic cosmetics can make our skin feel dry and tight.

What are some common misconceptions about pH?

Some common misconceptions about pH include:

  • Acidic foods are bad for you. Not all acidic foods are bad for you. In fact, some acidic foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are essential for a healthy diet.
  • Basic foods are good for you. Not all basic foods are good for you. In fact, some basic foods, such as baking soda, can be harmful if consumed in large amounts.
  • The pH of your body can be changed by what you eat and drink. While the pH of your blood is very tightly regulated, the pH of your other bodily fluids can be affected by what you eat and drink. For example, eating a lot of acidic foods can cause your urine to become more acidic.
  • You can test the pH of your body with pH paper. pH paper is used to test the pH of liquids. It cannot be used to test the pH of your body.

What are some tips for maintaining a healthy pH balance?

Some tips for maintaining a healthy pH balance include:

  • Eat a balanced diet. A balanced diet includes a variety of foods from all food groups. This helps to ensure that you are getting the nutrients you need to maintain a healthy pH balance.
  • Drink plenty of water. Water helps to flush out toxins from your body and can help to maintain a healthy pH balance.
  • Avoid processed foods. Processed foods often contain artificial ingredients that can disrupt your body’s natural pH balance.
  • Limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol can both disrupt your body’s natural pH balance.
  • Get enough sleep. Sleep is essential for many aspects of your health, including maintaining a healthy pH balance.
  • Manage Stress. Stress can disrupt your body’s natural pH balance. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, Yoga/”>Yoga, or meditation.
  1. What is the pH scale?
    (A) A scale that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance
    (B) A scale that measures the temperature of a substance
    (C) A scale that measures the pressure of a substance
    (D) A scale that measures the volume of a substance

  2. What is the pH of water?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) 6

  3. What is the pH of vinegar?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) 2

  4. What is the pH of blood?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) 7.4

  5. What is the pH of stomach acid?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) 1.5

  6. What is the pH of baking soda?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) 8.5

  7. What is the pH of bleach?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) 12

  8. What is the pH of ammonia?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) 11

  9. What is the pH of milk?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) 6.5

  10. What is the pH of urine?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) 6

  11. What is the pH of saliva?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) 6.8

  12. What is the pH of tears?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) 7.4

  13. What is the pH of sweat?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) 4.5

  14. What is the pH of seawater?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) 8.2

  15. What is the pH of soil?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) Varies depending on the type of soil

  16. What is the pH of a healthy human body?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) 7.4

  17. What is the pH of a healthy plant?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) Varies depending on the type of plant

  18. What is the pH of a healthy animal?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) Varies depending on the type of animal

  19. What is the pH of a healthy environment?
    (A) 7
    (B) 14
    (C) 0
    (D) Varies depending on the environment

  20. What is the importance of pH in daily life?
    (A) pH is important for maintaining the health of the human body, plants, animals, and the environment.
    (B) pH is not important for maintaining the health of the human body, plants, animals, and the environment.

Answers:
1. (A)
2. (A)
3. (C)
4. (D)
5. (D)
6. (A)
7. (C)
8. (D)
9. (D)
10. (D)
11. (A)
12. (A)
13. (A)
14. (D)
15. (D)
16. (D)
17. (D)
18. (D)
19. (D)
20. (A)