Explain what you understand by the meaning of the term pH of

Explain what you understand by the meaning of the term pH of a solution in terms of hydrogen ion concentration and any other features you are familiar with and interpret the following pH values of solutions.
a) 1.2

b) 4.5

c) 7.0

d) 11.6

Solution

pH stands for potential of hydrogen. It is generally a acidity scale from 0-14 readings, which measures how alkaline or acidic a particular substances or solution is:

It is can be calculated by the following relation :

pH = - log [ concentration of H+]

And, These are following parameters to tell whether a substance is acidic or basic :

1) if pH < 7, substance is acidic and they generally dissociates into H+ ions in aqueous solution.

Eg: HCl, H2SO4

2) if pH= 7 substance is neutral.

3) if pH > 7, substance is basic or alkaline,. And base generally dissociates into OH- ions in aqueous solution. Also, it will abstract proton from other species.

Eg : KOH, NaOH

So,

a) pH = 1.2, since the value is less than 7, it is a acid.

b) pH= 4.5, it is also a acid since it is less than 7.

c) pH =7, it is a neutral solution.

d) pH =11.6, pH is greater than 7, so it is a base.