The pH Scale

What does pH stand for?

•potential Hydrogen•Refers to the substance’s ability to attract Hydrogen atoms

The pH Scale

A series of numbers from 1 to 14. Used to describe how acidic or basic

a solution is. Most acidic substances are at the

low end of the scale. Most basic substances are at the

high end of the scale.

pH Indicator Paper

You can find the pH of a solution by using indicator paper or an indicator solution.

Indicator paper/solution turns a different color for each pH value.

Matching the color of the paper/solution with the colors on the scale tells how acidic or basic a solution is.

Neutral pH

A solution with a pH of 7 is neutral. This means that the solution is neither acidic nor basic.

Example: Pure water has a pH of 7.

Basic pH

Basic solutions have a pH greater than 7. High ability to attract Hydrogen ions. Example: Soap has a pH of 10.

Acidic pH

Solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic. Low ability to attract Hydrogen ions. Example: Lemons have a pH of 2.

Sample pH Scale

Number the line (left to right) from 1 to 14 (spaced evenly).