The pH scale ranges from zero to 14. Which option correctly represents this range?

The pH scale ranges from zero to 14. Which option correctly represents this range?

• A. -7 to 7
• B. 2 to 12
• C. 0 to 14
• D. 1 to 14

Answer: (C)

The pH scale for aqueous solutions is defined from 0 to 14 at standard conditions. A pH of 7 is neutral, values below 7 indicate acidity, and values above 7 indicate basicity; each step represents a tenfold change in hydrogen ion concentration. Therefore, the standard range is 0 to 14, with 0 representing very strong acidity and 14 representing very strong basicity. The other ranges aren’t used in the standard pH scale: negative values aren’t part of the conventional scale for typical water-based solutions, and ranges like 2 to 12 or 1 to 14 omit one or more extreme ends or the neutral point.

The pH scale for aqueous solutions is defined from 0 to 14 at standard conditions. A pH of 7 is neutral, values below 7 indicate acidity, and values above 7 indicate basicity; each step represents a tenfold change in hydrogen ion concentration. Therefore, the standard range is 0 to 14, with 0 representing very strong acidity and 14 representing very strong basicity. The other ranges aren’t used in the standard pH scale: negative values aren’t part of the conventional scale for typical water-based solutions, and ranges like 2 to 12 or 1 to 14 omit one or more extreme ends or the neutral point.