What is the pH scale
The pH values of different aqueous (water) solutions can be arranged in a pH scale. It is a 14 point scale used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution. A value of 7 is neutral. A pH less than 7 is acidic and a pH greater than 7 is basic.
The pH scale is logarithmic.
This means each whole pH value below 7 is ten times more acidic than
the next higher value. The same applies for pH values above 7, each of
which is ten times more basic than the next lower whole value.
To get a better feeling about different pH values it is worth remembering a few:
pH balance
pH is one of the most important parameters
describing solution properties. It is so important as it can drastically
change equilibrium state and speed of many reactions. Precise control
of pH is vital for good yield in many processes and to avoid damage to
people, materials, equipment and environment.
The pH level of your body is critical for your health
Your
internal pH balance is very important and your body continually strives
to balance pH. When this balance is compromised many problems can
occur. The reason is there are countless chemical reactions necessary
for life that can only occur within a very specific pH range.
Your
blood stays in a very narrow pH range right around 7.35 - 7.45. Below
or above this range can signal potentially serious and dangerous
symptoms or states of disease. If the pH value of the blood deviates too
much from the ideal pH level, cells stop functioning and death occurs.
