TOPIC: pH
GROUP MEMBERS
TOPIC: pH
What is pH
Danish Bio Chemist introduced a scale that
came to be known as pH scale. In German
“p” stands for “potenz” meaning “power”.
The scale runs from 0 to 14. The pH scale
measures how acidic or basic a substance is.
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7
is neutral. A pH less than 7 is acidic. A pH
greater than 7 is basic.
pH of a solution may be defined as
the negative logrithm (to the base
10) of Hydrogen ion concentration
in moles/Litre.
pH = – log10 [H+]=log1/ [H+]
pH+pOH- =14
For neutral solution
concentration of [H+] ions is equal
to OH- ions
[H+] =[OH-]
For acid solution
[H+] > [OH-]
For basic solution
[OH-]> [H+]
pOH- =-log[OH-]=log1/[OH-]
pH Range
pH of Some Common
Bases
BLOOD 7.4
TEARS 7.4
SEAWATER 8.4
MILK OF MAGNESIA 10.6 HOUSEHOLD
AMMONIA 11.0
pH scale - example values
battery acid pH below 1
gastric juice pH about 2
orange juice pH between 3 and 4
milk pH about 6.5
pH between 7.34 and
7.45, very precisely kept
blood in this range, as the
correct pH is crucial for
the survival
normal soap pH about 9-10
bleach pH about 12.5
Measurement of pH of a solution
The accurate value of pH of a solution is measured by
using an apparatus called pH meter.
*The pH can be measured b y the use of universal
indicators which are available in the form of pH
papers.
*A pH is a small strip of paper which is coated with
indicator.
*An indicator is a chemical which has different
colours in different solutions.
*The nature of a solution is decided by Hydrogen ion
concentration and its pH value.
*pH papers having different pH range are available.
UNIVERSAL INDICATOR
Universal Indicator is a homogenous mixture of many
indicators. The universal Indicator undergoes a series of
distinct colour changes as the pH values are changed.
To know the pH range, a drop of universal indicator is
placed on a clean tile and a drop of the test solution is
mixed with it . The color developed tells the pH range
of the solution.
pH Papers
*A pH is a small strip of paper which is coated with
indicator.
*The pH paper is prepared by allowing the absorption
of universal indicator on blotting papers of best
quality . These papers are dried , cut into small strips
and packed properly. The colour and corresponding
pH value are indicated on the cover of each packet of
strips of pH papers.
*pH papers having different pH range are available.
*To know the pH value, a drop of the test tube solution
is placed on the strip of pH paper . The colour
developed tells the pH value of the test solution .
Importance of pH
in everyday life
Role of pH in causing tooth decay
pH change leads to tooth decay. The white enamel
coating on our teeth is of Calcium Phosphate.
When pH in our mouth falls below 5.5, the
enamel gets corroded .The bacteria present in
the mouth break down the sugar that we eat as
acid. Lactic acid is one of these. The formation
of these acids causes decrease in pH . It is
therefore advisable to avoid sugary food and
also to keep the mouth clean so that food
particles may not be present. The toothpaste
contain in them basic ingredients help in
neutralizing the effect of acid.
Role of pH in curing stings by
the insects
Bee sting leaves an acid that is known as
‘Formic Acid’[Methanoic Acid] which
causes pain and irritation. The cure s in
rubbing the affected area with a mild base
like ‘Baking Soda’ and soap. NaOH present
in the soap neutralizes the acid injected in
the body. Similarly, the effect of stings by
wasps containing alkaly is neutralized by
the use of ‘Vinegar’[Acetic Acid].
Neutralizing the effect of
stinging neetle (plant)
Neetle is a herbaceous plant it is a wild plant and
have sharp hairs, which contain n them ‘Formic
Acid’ if they happen to touch the body
accidently their stings are very painful. The
remedy for the same is provided by the nature
itself. The stung area is rubbed by the leaves of
dock plants which often grow besides neetle
plants. These plants inject alkaly which
neutralizes the effect of acids.
pH in our Digestive System
Our stomach produces Hydrochloric Acid it
helps in the digestion of food without harming
the stomach. During indigestion the stomach
produces excess of HCl which causes pain and
irritation. To get rid of this pain, people use
bases such as Antacids. These antacids
neutralizes the excess acid. Magnesium
Hydroxide a mild base also known as ‘Milk of
Magnesia’ is often used for this purpose. Sodium
Hydrogen Carbonate and Aluminium Hydroxide
can also be used for the same purpose
Soil pH and plant growth
The growth of plants in a particular soil is also
related to its pH. Different plants prefer different
pH range for their growth. Soils with high iron
minerals or with rotten vegetation tend to become
acidic. Soil pH can reach upto [Link] acidic effect
can be neutralized by liming the soil by adding
Calcium Hydroxide , Calcium Oxide and Chalk
powder. These are basic in nature.
Similarly, the soil with excess of Limestone or
Chalk is usually Alkaline. Sometimes, its pH reaches
to 8.3 and is harmful for the growth. In order to
reduce the Alkaline effect, it is better to add some
decaying organic matter.
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