The pH scale is a useful tool for figuring out how acidic or basic a substance is.

• What the Scale Means: The pH scale goes from 0 to 14.

  • A pH of 7 means it is neutral, like pure water.
  • If the pH is below 7, it is acidic, like lemon juice.
  • If the pH is above 7, it is basic, like soap.

• How It Works: The pH scale measures the number of hydrogen ions ($[H^+]$) in a solution.

  • A lower pH number means there are more hydrogen ions.
  • A higher pH number means there are fewer hydrogen ions.

• Indicators: We often use pH indicators, like litmus paper, to show the pH levels.

  • This helps us easily see if something is acidic or basic.
  • It’s a cool tool that helps us understand chemical reactions better!