Which statement correctly compares the pH of water to that of other substances?
A. The pH of water increases as its temperature increases, while other substances have a stable pH.
B. The pH of water is neutral; it is higher than the pH of acids and lower than the pH of bases.
C. Water contains more hydrogen ions than most other substances, giving it a higher pH.
D. Water is neutral and has a pH of 0; acids have a pH greater than 0, and bases have a pH less than 0.
Answer (2)
pH measures acidity or basicity; water is neutral with a pH of 7.
Acids have a pH less than 7, and bases have a pH greater than 7.
Water's pH is neutral, higher than acids, and lower than bases.
The correct statement is that water is neutral, with its pH between acids and bases, so the answer is B .
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We want to identify the statement that correctly compares the pH of water to that of other substances. To do this, we need to understand the pH scale and the relative pH values of acids, bases, and neutral substances like water.
Understanding the pH Scale The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Acids have a pH less than 7, bases have a pH greater than 7, and neutral substances have a pH of 7. Pure water is considered neutral and has a pH of 7.
Evaluating the Statements Now, let's evaluate each statement:
Statement 1: "The pH of water increases as its temperature increases, while other substances have a stable pH." This statement is partially true that the pH of water changes with temperature, but it's not the primary comparison we're looking for, and the stability of other substances' pH isn't relevant here.
Statement 2: "The pH of water is neutral; it is higher than the pH of acids and lower than the pH of bases." This statement accurately reflects the relationship between water, acids, and bases on the pH scale.
Statement 3: "Water contains more hydrogen ions than most other substances, giving it a higher pH." This is incorrect. Acids have more hydrogen ions and a lower pH.
Statement 4: "Water is neutral and has a pH of 0; acids have a pH greater than 0, and bases have a pH less than 0." This is incorrect. Neutral water has a pH of 7, acids have a pH less than 7, and bases have a pH greater than 7.
Conclusion Based on our understanding of the pH scale, the correct statement is: "The pH of water is neutral; it is higher than the pH of acids and lower than the pH of bases."
Examples
Understanding pH is crucial in many real-world applications. For example, in agriculture, knowing the pH of the soil helps farmers choose the right crops and fertilizers. In medicine, maintaining the correct pH balance in our blood is essential for our health. Even in everyday life, the pH of cleaning products affects their effectiveness and safety. By understanding the pH scale, we can make informed decisions in various aspects of our lives.
Water has a neutral pH of 7, making it higher than the pH of acids (less than 7) and lower than the pH of bases (greater than 7). The correct comparison statement is that the pH of water is neutral. Thus, the answer is option B.
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