What does a pH of 7.1-14 indicate?

• A. The substance is neutral
• B. The substance is acidic
• C. The substance is corrosive and slippery
• D. The substance is safe for all exposure

Answer: (C)

A pH of 7.1 to 14 indicates that a substance is basic or alkaline. Substances in this range are typically considered to be corrosive and have a slippery feel, which is a characteristic of many bases. This occurs because bases tend to react with certain substances and can cause chemical burns.

In terms of safety, while some basic substances can be handled with care, the potential for corrosive reactions makes them hazardous in certain situations. Therefore, it's important to treat such substances with caution and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate exposure risks. Understanding the pH scale is crucial in hazardous materials situations, as it helps identify the chemical properties of the substances encountered.