A solution with a pH of 8.5 would be classified as which?

A solution with a pH of 8.5 would be classified as which?

• A. Acid
• B. Base
• C. Neutral
• D. Salt

Answer: (B)

The main idea is how pH signals acidity or basicity. pH measures hydrogen ion activity: below 7 means acidic, around 7 is neutral, and above 7 is basic (alkaline). A pH of 8.5 indicates the solution is more basic than neutral, so it behaves as a base. Bases raise pH by increasing hydroxide ions or by accepting protons, which is why this solution is classified as basic. It isn’t neutral, and while salts can be acidic or basic in solution, the pH value here shows a basic character.

The main idea is how pH signals acidity or basicity. pH measures hydrogen ion activity: below 7 means acidic, around 7 is neutral, and above 7 is basic (alkaline). A pH of 8.5 indicates the solution is more basic than neutral, so it behaves as a base. Bases raise pH by increasing hydroxide ions or by accepting protons, which is why this solution is classified as basic. It isn’t neutral, and while salts can be acidic or basic in solution, the pH value here shows a basic character.