What is the range of the pH scale?

The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or basic a solution is, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, which is the pH of pure water, while values below 7 indicate acidity and values above 7 indicate alkalinity. This scale is logarithmic, meaning that each whole number change on the scale represents a tenfold change in acidity or basicity.

Knowing that the numerical range of 0 to 14 is standard for aqueous solutions is crucial for water treatment operations, as maintaining water within a specific pH range can significantly affect the efficiency of disinfection processes, the solubility of minerals, and the overall quality of drinking water. Understanding this scale helps operators to monitor and adjust pH levels effectively to ensure safe and clean drinking water for consumers.