What does pH measure in a solution?

pH measures how acidic or basic a solution is, providing a quantitative scale that ranges from 0 to 14. A pH value below 7 indicates an acidic solution, with lower values reflecting stronger acidity. Conversely, a pH value above 7 signifies a basic (alkaline) solution, with higher values indicating stronger basicity. A pH of exactly 7 is considered neutral, like pure water.

The pH scale is important because it helps scientists and researchers understand the chemical nature of a solution, its potential reactivity, and its suitability for various biological and chemical processes. While pH is related to the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution (which could tie into the measurement of ion concentration), the primary purpose of pH is specifically to indicate acidity or basicity.