What does pH measure in a solution?

pH measures the strength of an acid or base in a solution by indicating how acidic or basic the solution is. This is accomplished through a logarithmic scale that quantifies the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) present in the solution. A low pH value indicates a high concentration of hydrogen ions, characteristic of strong acids, while a high pH signifies a lower concentration of hydrogen ions, typical of strong bases.

Using this information, it becomes evident that pH directly relates to the acidic or basic nature of the solution. Solutions with a pH of 7 are considered neutral, while values below 7 indicate acidity and values above 7 indicate alkalinity. Understanding pH is crucial in various chemical processes, from biological systems to industrial applications, as it affects reaction rates, solubility, and the availability of nutrients and toxins in the environment.