What is the purpose of the pH scale?

The pH scale is specifically designed to indicate the acidity or basicity of a solution. It is a logarithmic scale that ranges from 0 to 14, where a pH of 7 is considered neutral, values below 7 indicate acidic conditions, and values above 7 signify basic or alkaline conditions. The scale measures the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in a solution, which directly correlates with its acidity or basicity.

Understanding the pH of a solution is crucial because it can influence chemical reactions, biological processes, and the solubility of compounds. For instance, many enzymes are sensitive to pH and function optimally at specific pH levels. This makes the pH scale an essential tool in various fields, including biology, chemistry, and environmental science.