According to the pH scale, what defines acids and bases?

The pH scale is a numerical scale that ranges from 0 to 14 and is used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. A pH value of 7 is considered neutral, meaning that it is neither acidic nor basic. When the pH value is below 7, the solution is classified as acidic; therefore, acids are defined as having a pH less than 7. On the other hand, bases are defined as having a pH that is greater than 7. This clear distinction is critical in various scientific and practical applications, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science.

By understanding that acids are characterized by a pH less than 7 and bases by a pH greater than 7, it becomes easier to remember how these substances behave in chemical reactions and their impact on the environment and living organisms. The accurate definition of acids and bases based on the pH scale is fundamental knowledge in chemistry that is foundational for further study.