understanding pH Flashcards
pH is an essential component of
environmental science, chemistry, biology, medicine
pH stands for
potential of hydrogen
what is the pH scale?
measure of how acidic or basic a solution is (0-14)
what pH level is neutral? example
- pure water
lower concentrations of hydrogen ions=
higher pH level, basic/alkaline
higher concentrations of hydrogen ions=
lower pH levels, acidic
how is pH calculated
taking the negative log of H+ ion concentration
which words mean the same thing?
basic and alkaline
the pH scale is
logarithmic, so a whole number means a tenfold change
pH of 3 is ___x more acidic than ph of 4
10
acidic solutions + ex
pH less than 7; lemon juice and vinegar
basic solutions + ex
pH greater than 7; baking soda and bleach
pH is important due to
biological processes, env. impact, industrial applications
- biological processes
affects enzyme activity and metabolic processes
- ## biological processes-
- human blood: 7.35-7.45 pH normal
- plant growth: soil pH affects nutrient availability to plants. thrive I slightly acidic to neutral pH (6-7)
- environmental impact
impacts water quality and ecosystem health
- ## Environmental impact-
Acid rain: less than 5.6 is acidic. Harms aquatic life by altering pH of lakes
Aquatic systems: organisms have specific pH ranges for survival. Trout: 6.5-8
- Industrial applications
Monitored and controlled to ensure product quality and safety
-
Good and beverage: pH regulated for desired flavors and preservation.
Pharmaceutical: efficiency and stability of medicine depends on pH levels
PH indicators
Substance that changes color based on acidic or basic
- limis paper
Phenoliojhelin
pH meters
Electronic devise that measures precise pH. It’s a probe used in labs and industries
how do you calculate pH
-log[H+]
where h+ is the concentration of hydrogen ions in moles/liters
as h+ increases, pH decreases
acids (4 b)
- release hydrogen ions
- sour taste
- reacts with metal
- cintric and hydrochloric acid
bases (4b)
- accepts H- ions or release OH - ions
- bitter taste
- slippery
- sodium hydroxide, ammonia
applications of pH knowledge
- gardening
- swimming pools
- health and nutrition
- gardening
gardeners need to know the pH of soil for healthy growth. soil testing kits–> lime to increase pH and sulfur to decrease
- swimming pools
7.2-7.8 pH for comfort and reduce damage to equipmment
- health and nutrition
pH of foods affect digestion and nutrient absorption
–> too acidic: discomfort
–> too alkaline: interferes with stomach acidity
