Multiple Choice
On the pH scale for aqueous solutions, what is the smallest possible pH value (theoretical, not limited by practical measurement)?
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17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
The pH Scale
Multiple Choice
Early hair-relaxer (lye) products were strongly basic. Which pH range best matches these early relaxer formulations?
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Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution, where pH values below 7 indicate acidic solutions, pH equal to 7 is neutral, and pH values above 7 indicate basic (alkaline) solutions.
Recognize that lye (commonly sodium hydroxide, NaOH) is a strong base, so products containing lye will have a high pH value, well above 7.
Review the given pH ranges and identify which correspond to acidic, neutral, and basic conditions: 2–4 is acidic, 6–8 is neutral to slightly basic, 9–10 is moderately basic, and 12–14 is strongly basic.
Since early hair-relaxer products were strongly basic due to the presence of lye, the pH range that best matches these formulations is the one indicating strong basicity, which is 12–14.
Conclude that the correct pH range for early lye-based hair relaxers is 12–14, reflecting their strongly basic nature.
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