Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

10. Acids and Bases

The pH Scale

GOB Chemistry

10. Acids and Bases

The pH Scale

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0:54 minutes

Problem 35c

Textbook Question

State whether each of the following is acidic, basic, or neutral:
c. drain cleaner, pH 11.2

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Recall the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14. A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, a pH of exactly 7 indicates a neutral solution, and a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution.

Step 2: Identify the given pH value in the problem. Here, the pH of the drain cleaner is 11.2.

Step 3: Compare the given pH value (11.2) to the pH scale. Since 11.2 is greater than 7, it falls into the basic range.

Step 4: Conclude that the drain cleaner is basic based on its pH value.

Step 5: Note that many cleaning products, such as drain cleaners, are basic because bases are effective at breaking down grease and organic matter.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

pH Scale

The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, values below 7 indicate acidity, and values above 7 indicate basicity. Understanding the pH scale is essential for classifying substances as acidic, basic, or neutral.

Acids and Bases

Acids are substances that donate protons (H+) in a solution, while bases accept protons. This behavior is defined by the Brønsted-Lowry theory. Common examples include hydrochloric acid (acid) and sodium hydroxide (base). Recognizing these properties helps in determining the nature of various substances.

Drain Cleaner Composition

Many drain cleaners contain strong bases, such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, which help dissolve organic matter. The presence of these strong bases typically results in a high pH, indicating that the substance is basic. Knowing the common components of drain cleaners aids in understanding their pH and overall chemical behavior.