Example:
Measuring Acids and Bases
Acids and bases can vary in strength, as determined by the amount of H+ or OH- they release into solution. The pH scale is used to measure levels of acidity and alkalinity. The more H+ released in solution the more acidic. The more OH- released in solution, the more basic or alkaline.
I-----------------------------------------------I------------------------------------------------I
0
7
14
(Gastric Juice = 1.2-3.0)
(blood = 7.35-7.45)
(Lye = 14)
I------Increased Acidic---------------Neutral-------------Increased Basic-------------I
It is important to maintain appropriate acid-base levels in the body. This is accomplished in part by buffers . Buffer : A Buffer is a substance that moderates changes in pH . Its function is to convert strong acids or bases which are unstable and ionize easily (contribute many H+ or OH- changing the pH drastically) into weak acids or bases which are more stable and do not ionize easily.
Organic Compounds
10
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