Acids and Bases When water dissociates, hydrogen ions (H+) = hydroxide ions (OH-) neutral solution (pH 7)
ex) HCl in gastric juices Acidic Solutions [H+] > [OH-] sour HCl H+ + Cl- ex) HCl in gastric juices
Basic Solutions [H+] < [OH-] Bitter & slippery An example: NaOH Na+ + OH-
The pH Scale Ranges from 0 - 14 A pH below 7 is acidic [H+] > [OH-] A pH above 7 is alkaline [OH-] > [H+] A pH of 7 is neutral [H+] = [OH-]
The pH Scale
The pH Scale Each unit change in pH represents a change of 10X
Buffers and pH A buffer is a chemical(s) that keep pH within normal limits. Bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and carbonic acid (H2CO3) found in human blood buffers the pH to 7.4
If hydrogen ions (H+) are added to the blood, this reaction occurs: H+ + HCO3- H2CO3 If hydroxide ions (OH-) are added to the blood, this reaction occurs: OH- + H2CO3 HCO3- + H2O