Alkaline Definition
In science, there are several modes of classifying materials. One method is to classify materials according to their pH (potential of hydrogen) level. Using this method, substances may be considered alkaline. What exactly does this mean, and how does it impact people and the environment?
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Basic Definition
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Hydrogen is found in most substances. The number of hydrogen ions in each substance is measured because charged hydrogen ions can impact the shape of molecules by impacting the environment, thereby affecting virtually every living thing. The number of hydrogen ions is measured on the potential of hydrogen (pH) scale, which ranges from 0 to 14. Alkaline refers to a number greater than 7 on the pH scale; numbers greater than 7 have lower concentrations of hydrogen ions.
Acidity
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Hydrogen ions, because they have a positive charge, are attracted to atoms that have a negative charge. In terms of pH, this means that hydrogen ions can be transferred from an alkaline substance to an acidic one, and vice versa. Usually, because a neutral state is more stable, ions will travel from the acid to the alkaline substance. This is what happens when people talk about "neutralizing an acid;" the process raises the pH level of the acidic substance closer to 7, or neutral. However, the process also can be seen in the context of making the alkaline substance more acidic.
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Examples
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Examples of alkaline substances can be found in the workplace, home and in nature. One of the most common alkaline substances is baking soda. Milk, meat, potatoes and most vegetables also are alkaline.
Uses and Importance
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Alkaline substances have many uses. Perhaps the most common is cleaning. Baking soda is an alkaline substance found in many household cleaning recipes. They can be used in laboratory or school experiments and projects (e.g., the classic baking soda and vinegar volcano). Alkaline substances also are recommended for medicinal use, such as drinking milk to minimize the discomfort of acid reflux or ulcers.
Alkaline Substances and Health
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The function of a cell depends on proteins. Hydrogen ions can impact the cell function by impacting the proteins from which the cell is made. Thus, high acidity in the body (acidosis) increases the likelihood that cells do not function properly, because acids have a greater hydrogen ion concentration. Alkaline environments also hold more oxygen, which is not suitable to cancer cells. The charge of the hydrogen ions also impacts whether blood cells may form plaques in arterial walls. The prevention of cancer and other illnesses therefore may be prevented, at least in part, by making sure that alkaline substances that can raise pH levels in the body are a regular part of the diet.
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