Final answer:
In human physiology, a pH level less than 7.35 or greater than 7.45 is indicative of an imbalance, specifically acidosis if below 7.35, and alkalosis if above 7.45. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral, below 7 acidic, and above 7 basic. This balance is crucial for proper body function.
Step-by-step explanation:
A pH less than 7.35 or greater than 7.45 in the human body is referred to as an imbalance. This pertains to the acidity level of the blood, which in a healthy individual typically ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, indicating a slightly basic or alkaline state. When the pH level falls below 7.35, it’s a condition known as acidosis, and when it exceeds 7.45, the condition is termed alkalosis. The regulation of pH is crucial for proper body function, as various physiological processes depend on a maintained pH level within this narrow range.
The pH scale itself runs from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, anything less than that is considered acidic, and anything above is considered basic or alkaline. For example, the pH in our stomach is highly acidic, with levels around 1 to 2, due to the gastric acid present. Conversely, substances like baking soda have a basic pH of approximately 9.0.
Water, with a pH of 7.0, is neutral. Not all aqueous solutions will have pH levels within the standard 0 to 14 range; however, this is common for most solutions. The pH is a measure of the relative concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) and is calculated as the negative logarithm of the H+ concentration. This measure is important because even small changes in pH can have significant biological implications.