Final answer:
The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, with values below 7 being acidic, 7 being neutral, and above 7 being basic. Changes in pH correspond to tenfold changes in hydrogen ion concentration.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or basic a solution is. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, indicating the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. Here's how to fill in the blanks:
- (a) The pH scale represents how acidic or basic a solution is.
- (b) If the pH is 7, then the solution is neutral.
- (c) If the pH is lower than 7, then the solution is acidic.
- (d) A solution of pH 9 is more basic than a solution of pH 8.
- (e) An acid-base indicator turns different colors when in an acid compared to a base.
- (f) A solution will change colors when in an acid compared to a base.
- (g) For example, litmus paper changes colors in an acid.
- (h) A solution of pH 5 is 10 times more acidic than a solution of pH 6.
- (i) Bromothymol blue turns yellow in an acid and blue in a base.
Note that a change of one pH unit indicates a tenfold change in the acidity or basicity level. This means each step up or down the pH scale results in the hydrogen ion concentration changing by a factor of 10. Understanding pH is essential in fields such as chemistry, biology, and environmental science.