What is pH?
pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH lower than 7 is considered acidic, while a pH greater than 7 is alkaline (or basic). The scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number represents a tenfold difference in acidity or alkalinity. For instance, a pH of 4 is ten times more acidic than a pH of 5 and 100 times more acidic than a pH of 6.
The concept of pH was introduced by Danish chemist S. P. L. Sorensen over a century ago. It has since become a fundamental measurement in science, playing a crucial role in chemistry, biology, medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.
What are pH Levels?
pH levels determine the chemical nature of a substance. Common household substances demonstrate a wide range of pH values:
- Battery acid: ~0 (extremely acidic)
- Lemon juice: ~2
- Vinegar: ~3
- Pure water: 7 (neutral)
- Baking soda solution: ~9
- Ammonia: ~11
- Bleach: ~13 (highly alkaline)
pH levels impact everything from human health to soil fertility and water quality. If you would like to learn more about the pH of common household items we recommend reading this article.
How to Read pH Strips
pH strips are a simple and convenient way to measure pH levels. They are colorimetric test strips coated with pH-sensitive dyes that change color upon contact with a liquid. To read a pH strip:
- Dip the Strip: Immerse the strip in the liquid for the time specified by the manufacturer.
- Wait for Color Change: The strip will change color almost immediately, but, you must follow the timing instructions on the label before taking your reading.
- Compare to the Color Chart: Each strip comes with a reference chart. Match the color on the strip to the chart to determine the pH level.
- Consider Temperature Effects: Since test strips do not offer temperature compensation, ensure the sample is at room temperature for accurate readings.
You can see a video of how to read our universal pH strips below.
pH Strips Color Meaning
The color change on pH strips corresponds to different pH levels. Since we manufacture over 20 different pH strips for different ranges it is hard to generalize what the colors mean, but, here are some examples of color charts.
Where Can I Buy pH Strips?
Bartovation offers over 20 quantitative pH test strips as well as a dozen qualitative pH test strips. We offer them on our website with free shipping within the US as well as through our network of distributors.
When buying pH strips, ensure they have a clear and accurate color chart for easy interpretation. We also recommend making sure they are manufactured by a reliable supplier who will stand behind the product to ensure you are getting accurate results!
Conclusion
Understanding pH and how to measure it is essential in many aspects of daily life. Whether testing drinking water, monitoring soil health, or conducting scientific experiments, pH strips provide a quick and effective way to gauge acidity or alkalinity. By knowing how to read pH strips, and understanding their color meanings, you can ensure accurate pH measurement for any application.