Biology
PH is the measure of how basic/acidic water is. The PH ranges between 0 to 14, whereby seven means neutral. When PH is below 7, it reveals acidity, and when it is above 7, it is an indication of a base. PH is a measure of the possible amount of free hydroxyl ions and hydrogen ions in the water. Water with more hydrogen ions is considered to be acidic (Khan Academy, 2021). Water with more hydroxyl ions is basic. The PH is significant in that it dictates the solubility and physical presence of chemical elements and heavy metals in water and soil.
Acids and Bases
Acid refers to any hydrogen-comprising component with the potential to donate a proton to a different substance. Their sour taste recognizes acidic components. Acids have various roles; phosphoric acid is a critical ingredient in mixed soft drinks; they manufacture dyes, explosives, fertilizers, and paints (Khan Academy, 2021). Citric acid and vinegar are used as food preservatives.
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Bases are ions or molecules with unshared pairs of electrons available for sharing with acids. Bases are associated with a slippery texture and bitter taste. Some bases are water-soluble, while others are not. Water-soluble bases are the alkali. Bases turn red litmus paper blue (Khan Academy, 2021). Bases are used in soap manufacturing and producing bleaching powders. Bases such as magnesium hydroxide are used as a laxative. Slake lime helps neutralize soil acidity.
Salts
Salts are ionic components comprising cations and anions. Salts are acquired along with water in a neutralization reaction between bases and acids. Salts are either acidic, basic, double salts, or mixed salts (Brazier, 2017). Salts are used to flavor food, dyeing, tanning, and in the production of chlorine, soap, and pottery.
References
Brazier, Y. 2017. How Much Salt Should a Person Eat? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146677
Khan Academy. 2021. Acids, Bases, PH, and Buffers. https://www.khanacademy.org/science/biology/water-acids-and-bases/acids-bases-and-ph/a/acids-bases-ph-and-bufffers .
