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BioGT: Acids, Bases, and the pH Scale

Ionization of water molecules

  • Polar covalent bonds hold water molecules together

    • Because of their polarity, these bonds are relatively weak

  • Water molecules are constantly breaking into OH- and H+ ions

    • OH is negative because it took the electron from the H that broke off

  • These ions will detach and re-attach at a mostly steady rate

pH

  • Water is neutral on the pH scale

  • pH refers to the concentration of H+ ions

  • OH- ions counteract H+ ions

  • More H+ ions = more acidic

  • More OH- ions = more basic (akaline)

  • Water pulls of H+ ions from acids with polar covalent bonds.

  • Acids neutralize bases

    • Mixing the two will give water and a salt

  • pH scale

    • Each step represents a 10x change

      • pH of 6 is 10 times more acidic than ph of 7

    • Values of 0-6 are acidic

    • Values of 8-14 are akaline

    • 7 is neutral