What is the range of the pH scale?

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, making this the correct choice. This scale is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution, with values below 7 indicating acidity, a value of 7 being neutral, and values above 7 indicating alkalinity (basicity). It is essential for various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science, as it helps determine the properties and behaviors of different substances in solutions.

Understanding that the scale traditionally spans from 0 to 14 reflects the logarithmic nature of pH, where each whole number change represents a tenfold change in acidity or basicity. Solutions with a pH less than 0 or greater than 14 can occur under specific conditions, such as in highly concentrated acid or base solutions, but these situations are exceptions rather than the standard range used in most applications. This foundational understanding of the pH scale is crucial for anyone dealing with chemical solutions, as it impacts reactions, solubility, and biological processes.