Emäksellisiä

Emäksellisiä is a Finnish term that translates to "alkaline" in English. It refers to substances or solutions that have a pH greater than 7. In chemistry, alkalinity is a measure of the capacity of a solution to neutralize acids. This capacity is due to the presence of certain ions, primarily hydroxide ions (OH⁻), but also carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻) and bicarbonate ions (HCO₃⁻). These ions can react with and neutralize hydrogen ions (H⁺) from acids.

A common characteristic of alkaline substances is their slippery feel and bitter taste, although tasting them is not recommended due to potential hazards. Many household cleaning products, such as oven cleaners and drain unblockers, are alkaline. In biological systems, alkalinity plays a crucial role. For instance, the human stomach is acidic, while the small intestine becomes alkaline to aid digestion. Similarly, natural water bodies can have varying levels of alkalinity, which influences their buffering capacity against changes in pH and their ability to support aquatic life. The term "emäksellisiä" can be used in various contexts, from industrial processes and environmental science to everyday discussions about household chemicals.