The Effect of Water on PH
When water is added to a solution, it causes the pH of the solution to shift closer to the center of the pH scale. Therefore, water makes an acidic solution less acidic and a base solution less base.
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Definition
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The term pH expresses the acidity or basic nature of a solution. The measurement approximates the concentration of the hydrogen ion, hydronium, within a solution to determine its pH level.
Acidic vs. Basic
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A solution's pH is expressed on a numerical scale with a range of 1 to 14. Solutions with a pH between 1 and 7 are considered to be more acidic, with a pH of 1 to be the most acidic. Solutions with a pH between 8 and 14 are considered to be more basic, with a pH of 14 to be the most basic.
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Measuring pH
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A solution's pH can be measured with a probe and meter, litmus paper, or a field kit. The probe and meter is the most accurate since the equipment is sophisticated and expensive when compared to litmus paper or a field kit.
Water's pH
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Pure water with no impurities should have a pH of 7. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, therefore when water dilutes a solution with a more acidic or basic pH, the solution's pH shifts closer to 7.
Examples of Basic & Acidic Solutions
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Several examples of basic solutions include bleach, ammonia, baking soda, soapy water, and sea water. Examples of acidic solutions include urine, lemon juice, tomato juice, and black coffee.
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