Emäksellistä

Emäksellistä is a Finnish term that translates to "alkaline" in English. It describes a substance that has a pH greater than 7. The pH scale is a measure of acidity or alkalinity, with 7 being neutral. Substances with a pH below 7 are acidic, and those with a pH above 7 are alkaline or basic.

Emäksellistä substances typically have a slippery feel and can taste bitter. They are characterized by the presence of hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution. Common examples of alkaline substances include baking soda, soap, and household ammonia. In chemistry, bases are substances that can accept protons or donate electrons.

The concept of alkalinity is important in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science. For instance, the pH of blood in the human body is maintained within a narrow alkaline range to ensure proper biological functions. Similarly, the alkalinity of soil can affect plant growth. Wastewater treatment often involves adjusting the pH to make it less acidic or more alkaline before discharge. Understanding what constitutes emäksellistä is fundamental to comprehending chemical reactions and maintaining balanced environments.