BioGT: Acids, Bases, and the pH Scale

Ionization of water molecules

The process in which water molecules break into OH- and H+ ions.

Polar covalent bonds

The type of bonds that hold water molecules together, characterized by their polarity.

OH- ions

Negatively charged ions formed when water molecules break apart, with oxygen gaining an electron from hydrogen.

H+ ions

Positively charged ions formed when water molecules break apart, with hydrogen losing an electron.

pH

A measure of the concentration of H+ ions in a solution.

Neutral

The pH value of 7, indicating a balance of H+ and OH- ions in water.

Acidic

The presence of more H+ ions, resulting in a lower pH value and a more acidic solution.

Alkaline

The presence of more OH- ions, resulting in a higher pH value and a more basic solution.

Acids neutralizing bases

The process in which acids and bases react to form water and a salt.

pH scale

A scale ranging from 0 to 14 that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

Acidic range

pH values ranging from 0 to 6

Alkaline range

pH values ranging from 8 to 14