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Acids, Bases & Salts

pH Scale

The conventional scale, usually running from 0 to 14, on which the acidity or alkalinity of aqueous solutions is expressed.

Formula / equation 0 (acidic) – 7 (neutral) – 14 (alkaline)
Unit Dimensionless

In depth

The familiar range simply reflects the practical limits of ordinary aqueous solutions; concentrated strong acids can give negative pH values and concentrated alkalis can exceed 14. The scale is measured with a glass electrode calibrated against standard buffers.

Examples in the real world

Universal indicator shading from red at pH 1 through green at 7 to violet at 14.