Neutral pH corresponds to which value?

Neutral pH corresponds to which value?

• A. 0 to 6.9
• B. 7
• C. 7.1 to 14
• D. 7.5

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that neutral on the pH scale means the solution has equal amounts of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. pH is defined as pH = -log10[H+], so when [H+] = 1×10^-7 M, pH = 7. That balance occurs in pure water at standard room temperature, making 7 the neutral point. Values below 7 are acidic (more H+), while values above 7 are basic (more OH-). So the neutral value is 7.

The main idea is that neutral on the pH scale means the solution has equal amounts of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. pH is defined as pH = -log10[H+], so when [H+] = 1×10^-7 M, pH = 7. That balance occurs in pure water at standard room temperature, making 7 the neutral point. Values below 7 are acidic (more H+), while values above 7 are basic (more OH-). So the neutral value is 7.