The full form of pH is a "Potential of Hydrogen". pH is known as the negative logarithm of the concentration of H+ ions. Therefore, the meaning of the name pH is explained as hydrogen power or hydrogen power. pH describes the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, which is an indicator of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The pH value on the pH scale ranges from 0 to 14.
pH of acids and bases
The pH of the solution ranges from 0 to 14.
- Solutions with a pH value ranging from 7 to 14 is known as basic solutions.
- On the pH scale, solutions with a hydrogen potential or pH value of 7 are known as neutral solutions.
Solutions with a pH value of 0 are considered extremely acidic. Furthermore, acidity decreases as the pH value increases from 0 to 7, while solutions with a pH value equal to 14 are known as strongly alkaline solutions. The intensity of acid and base depends on the number of H+ and OH– ions produced. Acids giving more H+ ions are known as strong acids and vice versa.
Importance
A living organism can only tolerate a limited range of pH changes, and any further pH adjustments will make life difficult. For example: in the case of acid rain, the pH of the water is lower than 7. It lowers the pH of the river water when it flows into the river, which prevents the survival of marine life.
The human stomach lining secretes hydrochloric acid, that helps to digest food by activating the enzymes. Antacids are used to neutralize the acid produced in the stomach in the case of acid reflux.
Bacteria present in our mouths often lower the pH of our mouths by creating acids through the degradation of food particles. This results in tooth demineralization and tooth decay. This is why we are told to brush our teeth and mouth because mouthwash neutralizes acid and helps with remineralization. Fluoride toothpaste helps remineralization and prevents tooth decay.
In the case of a bee sting, we feel great pain when the bee injects formic acid (methane acid) with its sting. Therefore, it is usually recommended to apply baking soda or other mild alkali to the surface as it helps to neutralize the acid and maintain the pH.