Question

Andy has two samples of liquids. Sample A has a pH of 4, and Sample B has a pH of 6. What can Andy conclude about these two samples? Sample A is ________, and Sample B is ________.

1) acidic
2) basic
3) neutral
4) cannot be determined

Answer 1

Andy's Sample A with a pH of 4 is acidic, and Sample B with a pH of 6 is also acidic but less so. Generally, substances with pH values below 7 are acidic, those with pH values above 7 are basic, and a pH of 7 is neutral.

Step-by-step explanation:

The value of pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution. In the case of Andy's samples, Sample A, with a pH of 4, is acidic because it has a pH less than 7. Therefore, Sample B, with a pH of 6, is also acidic, but less so than Sample A, due to the fact that it is closer to the neutral pH of 7. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is basic.

Likewise, for other examples provided such as:

• Human blood with a pH of 7.4 would be considered slightly basic.
• Household ammonia with a pH of 11.0 is basic.
• Cherries with a pH of 3.6 are acidic.