To measure how acidic or basic a solution is, we use something called the pH scale. This scale goes from 0 to 14 and helps us know if a solution is acidic, neutral, or basic. Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Acidic Solutions:

   • If a solution has a pH of less than 7, it is acidic.
   • Common examples are lemon juice and vinegar, which usually have a pH around 2-3.

2. Neutral Solutions:

   • A solution with a pH of exactly 7 is neutral.
   • Pure water is a great example of a neutral solution.

3. Basic Solutions:

   • If the pH is greater than 7, then the solution is basic, or alkaline.
   • For example, baking soda in water has a pH of about 9.

How to Measure pH

You can measure pH in a few different ways:

• pH Indicators:

  • These are substances that change color based on the pH level.
  • For instance, litmus paper turns red in acid and blue in a basic solution.

• pH Meters:

  • These are electronic devices that provide an exact pH reading.
  • They are very useful in labs for getting accurate measurements.

The Math Behind pH

The pH level is related to the amount of hydrogen ions ($H^+$) in a solution. This is shown by the formula:

$\text{pH} = -\log[H^+]$

Understanding this formula is important because it shows how acidity and basicity are linked!