What is pH?

pH is a measure that tells us how acidic or basic a substance is. It helps us understand whether a substance is more on the sour side or the bitter side. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral.

When a substance has a pH below 7, it is considered acidic. Think of sour things like lemon juice or vinegar. They have a low pH, which means they are acidic. On the other hand, substances with a pH above 7 are considered basic or alkaline. Bitter things like soap or baking soda have a high pH, making them basic.

pH is an important concept in science and everyday life. It helps us understand how different substances interact with each other. For example, if you mix an acidic substance with a basic one, they might neutralize each other and create a more balanced pH.

The human body also has its own pH levels to maintain proper functioning. For instance, our stomach produces hydrochloric acid to help digest food, giving it a low pH. Blood, on the other hand, needs to be slightly alkaline with a pH around 7.4 to ensure our body systems work properly.

Different things can affect the pH of substances. Adding certain ingredients or chemicals can change the pH of a solution. For instance, adding a squeeze of lemon juice to water can make it more acidic.

In summary, pH is a way to measure how acidic or basic a substance is. It helps us understand the sourness or bitterness of different things. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Understanding pH is important in science and in everyday life to help us mix substances and maintain proper bodily functions.