What does pH measure in a solution?

pH measures the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution. The pH scale is logarithmic and ranges from 0 to 14, where lower values indicate higher hydrogen ion concentrations (acidic solutions), while higher values indicate lower concentrations (basic or alkaline solutions). A neutral pH, which is around 7, corresponds to a balance of hydrogen and hydroxide ions.

Understanding pH is crucial in various fields, including biotechnology, as it affects biochemical reactions and the stability of biochemical compounds. For example, many enzymes function optimally within a specific pH range; therefore, knowing the pH of a solution can provide insights on enzymatic activity and overall solution reactivity.