A scale of pH and a variety of well known materials

Question

Figure 2-16. The pH Scale16
d. A fluid with a pH between 0 and 6.9 would be considered ___________.
i. Circle one: This fluid have more H+ or OH ions
e. A fluid with a pH between 7.1 and 14 would be considered __________.
i. Circle one: This fluid have more H+ or OH ions
f. What is a buffer and what happens to a solution when you add a buffer?
g. Antacids are a form of buffer. What do they treat and how do they work?
16 Phelan, What is Life, 5e, 2021,© W. H. Freeman and Company2-18

Answer 1

Based on the information provided, let's fill in the blanks and answer your questions:

d. A fluid with a pH between 0 and 6.9 would be considered acidic.

• i. Circle one: This fluid has more H⁺ ions.

e. A fluid with a pH between 7.1 and 14 would be considered basic (or alkaline).

• i. Circle one: This fluid has more OH⁻ ions.

f. A buffer is a solution that can resist changes in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added. It typically consists of a weak acid and its conjugate base (or a weak base and its conjugate acid). When a buffer is added to a solution, it helps maintain a stable pH by neutralizing added acids (H⁺) or bases (OH⁻), thus minimizing changes in acidity or alkalinity.

g. Antacids are a form of buffer that treat conditions like acid indigestion, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). They work by neutralizing stomach acid (H⁺ ions), raising the pH of the stomach contents and alleviating discomfort associated with excessive acidity. Common antacids contain weak bases such as magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, or calcium carbonate that react with stomach acid to reduce acidity.