Understanding the pH scale
What does a high or low number on the pH scale tell you?
It shows how basic or acidic a substance is.
Is something with a pH of 14 safe or dangerous?
Dangerous — it’s a strong base.
What type of chemical can bring down a base’s pH?
An acid
How can you reduce the danger of handling strong bases?
Use personal protective equipment (PPE).
In a lab, how much strong base was accidentally spilled?
100 mL.
Which ions increase in number as a base gets stronger?
Hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
Which powerful cleaner in homes often has a pH near 14?
Lye or drain cleaner.
What’s one acid you could use to neutralize something like drain cleaner?
Hydrochloric acid.
Why is it risky to mix strong acids and bases fast?
It can create heat and splash harmful chemicals.
What was the dangerous pH level of the spill?
pH 14.
What are the three sections of the pH scale and their ranges?
Acids: 0–6, Neutral: 7, Bases: 8–14.
What should you wear when using strong chemical cleaners?
Safety goggles and gloves
What’s the safe pH range to aim for after neutralizing a strong base?
Around pH 7
What is created when a strong base is neutralized by an acid?
Water and a salt
What strong acid was chosen to fix the spill?
Nitric acid
What number in the middle of the pH scale is neither acidic nor basic?
7
What can a strong base do to organic materials like your skin?
It can break them down and burn them.
Why might water alone not be enough to neutralize a strong base?
Water dilutes but doesn't fully react like acid does
What is one important safety step before starting a neutralization?
Measure the right amounts of acid and base.
What problem happens if you don’t add enough acid?
The spill remains strongly basic.
How much stronger is a substance with pH 14 compared to pH 13?
10 times more basic
What do all very high pH items have in common?
They are corrosive and need careful handling.
What happens if you try to neutralize a strong base with a weak acid?
You might need a large amount and it might not work well.
What’s a real-world reason to neutralize a base like pH 14?
To safely clean up chemical spills or balance pH in waste.
What’s the result of adding way too much acid?
The solution turns acidic instead of neutral.