Which best describes the pH scale?
A. Acids measure below 7.
B. Bases measure below 7.
C. Acids and bases measure above 7.
D. Bases and acids measure at 7.
Answer (2)
The pH scale measures acidity and basicity from 0 to 14.
Acids have a pH less than 7.
Bases have a pH greater than 7.
The best description is: Acids measure below 7. A c i d s m e a s u re b e l o w 7.
Explanation
Understanding the pH Scale The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or basic a solution is. It ranges from 0 to 14.
Acids on the pH Scale Acids have a pH less than 7. For example, lemon juice has a pH of around 2.
Bases on the pH Scale Bases (also called alkaline solutions) have a pH greater than 7. For example, baking soda has a pH of around 9.
Neutral pH A pH of 7 is considered neutral. Pure water has a pH of 7.
Evaluating the Options Now, let's evaluate the given options:
Acids measure below 7: This statement is correct.
Bases measure below 7: This statement is incorrect.
Acids and bases measure above 7: This statement is incorrect.
Bases and acids measure at 7: This statement is incorrect.
Final Answer Therefore, the best description of the pH scale is that acids measure below 7.
Examples
Understanding the pH scale is crucial in many real-life applications. For example, in agriculture, knowing the pH of the soil helps farmers choose the right crops and fertilizers. In medicine, the pH of blood needs to be maintained within a narrow range for the body to function properly. In environmental science, monitoring the pH of water bodies helps assess pollution levels and protect aquatic life. Even in cooking, the pH of ingredients can affect the taste and texture of the final dish. For instance, adding an acidic ingredient like vinegar can tenderize meat or prevent discoloration of fruits and vegetables.
The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a solution is, ranging from 0 to 14. Acids have a pH value below 7, while bases have a pH value above 7. Thus, the best choice is option A: Acids measure below 7.
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