What does the pH scale measure?

The pH scale specifically measures the acidity or basicity of a solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with lower values indicating acidic conditions, higher values indicating basic conditions, and a value of approximately 7 representing a neutral solution. pH is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) present in the solution; the more H⁺ ions, the lower the pH and the more acidic the solution becomes. Conversely, a higher concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) corresponds to a higher pH, indicating a basic solution.

Understanding pH is crucial in various scientific fields, as it can affect chemical reactions, biological processes, and environmental conditions. This also highlights the importance of the pH scale in everyday applications, such as determining the acidity of soil for agriculture or the safety of drinking water.