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Multiple Choice
Your stomach has a low pH because it is:
A
highly acidic
B
highly basic
C
neutral
D
buffered
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of pH. pH is a scale used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, a pH of 7 is neutral, and a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution.
Step 2: Recall the function of the stomach. The stomach secretes gastric juice, which contains hydrochloric acid (HCl). This acid helps break down food and provides an environment for enzymes like pepsin to function effectively.
Step 3: Relate the secretion of hydrochloric acid to pH. Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid, which significantly lowers the pH of the stomach contents, making the environment highly acidic.
Step 4: Compare the options provided in the question. Based on the information above, a low pH corresponds to a highly acidic environment, not highly basic, neutral, or buffered.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is 'highly acidic,' as the stomach's low pH is due to the presence of hydrochloric acid.