What pH value is neutral?

What pH value is neutral?

• A. 0
• B. 7
• C. 14
• D. 5

Answer: (B)

Neutral on the pH scale means the solution has equal concentrations of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH−). In water at room temperature, this balance occurs when [H+] = [OH−] = 1.0×10^−7 M, giving pH = −log10(1.0×10^−7) = 7. This is why 7 is the neutral value—it reflects no overall excess of acidity or basicity. Values below 7 indicate acidity (more H+), and values above 7 indicate basicity (more OH−). So the neutral value is 7.

Neutral on the pH scale means the solution has equal concentrations of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH−). In water at room temperature, this balance occurs when [H+] = [OH−] = 1.0×10^−7 M, giving pH = −log10(1.0×10^−7) = 7. This is why 7 is the neutral value—it reflects no overall excess of acidity or basicity. Values below 7 indicate acidity (more H+), and values above 7 indicate basicity (more OH−). So the neutral value is 7.