What pH range indicates a neutral substance?

• A. 0-6.9
• B. 7
• C. 7.1-14
• D. 6.1-8.0

Answer: (B)

A neutral substance is defined by its pH level, which measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. In the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, a pH of exactly 7 indicates neutrality. This means that the concentrations of hydrogen ions (H⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in the solution are equal, which is typical for pure water at standard conditions.

Understanding this concept is crucial when dealing with hazardous materials, as many substances can fall outside of this neutral range and can either be acidic (pH less than 7) or alkaline (pH greater than 7). Knowledge of a substance’s pH helps in assessing its potential hazardous effects, necessary safety measures, and appropriate neutralization procedures.