The measure of acidity or basicity in a solution is indicated by what scale?

The measure of acidity or basicity in a solution is indicated by the pH scale. The pH scale quantifies the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in a solution, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, indicating a balance between hydrogen and hydroxide ions. Values lower than 7 represent acidic solutions, where there are more hydrogen ions, while values above 7 indicate basic (or alkaline) solutions, which have fewer hydrogen ions relative to hydroxide ions.

Understanding the pH scale is essential for various fields, such as chemistry, biology, and environmental science, since the acidity or basicity of a solution can dramatically affect chemical reactions, biological processes, and the environment. This scale provides a simple way to assess and compare the acidity or alkalinity of different solutions, making it a fundamental concept in the study of solutions and their properties.