pH Scale Basics

pH ScalepH
Written By Brandy Zadoorian, CSP

The pH scale represents the logarithm of the reciprocal of hydrogen-ion concentration in gram atoms per liter and provides a measure on a scale from 0 to 14 of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Acids have more hydrogens & are acidic. Bases have less hydrogens and are basic or alkaline. An example of a strong base would have a pH value of 13. A weak base would have a pH value of 9. A strong acid would have a pH value of 2.

pH Value Examples of Solutions from Acidic to Basic

0 Battery Acid

1 Stomach Acid

2 Lemon Juice

3 Cola

4 Tomato Juice

5 Black Coffee

6 Saliva

7 Distilled water

8 Seawater

9 Borax

10 Milk of Magnesia

11 Ammonia

12 Soapy Water

13 Oven Cleaner

14 Drain Cleaner

Brandy Zadoorian, CSP

Brandy Zadoorian is a CSP and Triangle Safety Consulting LLC's Owner and Principal Consultant.

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