pHskalið

pHskalið is a logarithmic scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. The term "pH" is derived from "potential of hydrogen" and the scale typically ranges from 0 to 14. A pH value of 7 is considered neutral. Solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic, meaning they have a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (H+). Conversely, solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic or alkaline, indicating a lower concentration of hydrogen ions and a higher concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-).

The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning that each whole number change in pH represents a tenfold change in acidity or basicity. For instance, a solution with a pH of 5 is ten times more acidic than a solution with a pH of 6, and one hundred times more acidic than a solution with a pH of 7. This scale is crucial in various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, biology, environmental science, and medicine, for understanding chemical reactions, biological processes, and the properties of water and other substances.

The pH of a solution is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions. It is calculated using the formula: pH = -log10[H+], where [H+] represents the molar concentration of hydrogen ions. In practical applications, pH is often measured using pH meters or pH indicator strips, which change color at different pH levels. Maintaining a specific pH is often critical for the success of chemical experiments, the health of aquatic ecosystems, and physiological functions within living organisms.