. This categorization is based on the concentration of hydrogen ion (H+), or hydronium ion (H3O+), and hydroxide ion (OH-) present in the solutions. Based on these ion concentrations, the pH or pOH can be calculated giving a quantitative assessment. Additionally, litmus paper or pH paper can be used to qualitatively determine if the solution is acidic, basic, or neutral. Red litmus paper turns blue in acid. Blue litmus paper turns red in base. pH paper gives a more precise pH number based on the color the pH paper turns when a small amount of solution is placed on the paper.
Most materials are either acidic or basic. Baking soda, bleach, codeine, detergent, egg whites, household cleaners, and seawater are basic because they have a high concentration of hydroxide ions in solution and pH above 7. Acid rain, beer, coffee, lemon juice, maple syrup, mouth wash, pickles, rain, soda, tea, tomatoes, and vinegar are acidic because they have a high concentration of hydrogen ions in solution and pH below 7. A few solutions have neutral pH due an equal concentration of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. Water is the only truly neutral substance but human blood, milk, plant food, saliva, and tofu are very close to neutral pH with nearly equal hydrogen ion and hydroxide ion concentration and pH near 7.
Listed in the Item Bank are key terms and expressions, each of which is associated with one of the columns. Some terms may display additional information when you click on them. Drag and drop each item into the correct column. Order does not matter.
