Question

What is the preferred pH of detergents used for most cleaning processes?

a) pH 1-3
b) pH 4-6
c) pH 7-9
d) pH 10-12

Answer 1

The preferred pH for detergents used in cleaning is pH 10-12, indicating that they are basic or alkaline. These detergents are more effective at cleaning than neutral or acidic solutions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The preferred pH of detergents used for most cleaning processes is pH 10-12. This range indicates that such detergents are basic, as any solution with a pH greater than 7 is considered basic or alkaline. Detergents in this pH range are effective at emulsifying oils, breaking down stains, and generally cleaning surfaces as they tend to be better at binding to particles and lifting them away compared to neutral or acidic solutions.

For example, household ammonia, which is a common cleaning solution, has a pH of about 11.0, placing it within this preferred range for cleaning agents. On the contrary, substances like human blood with a pH of 7.4 and cherries with a pH of 3.6 are considered neutral and acidic respectively, and are not suitable for use as cleaning agents.