What is the pH range of alkalis?

The pH range of alkalis is typically between 7 and 14.

Alkalis are substances that can accept protons or donate pairs of electrons. They are found on the opposite end of the pH scale from acids, which have a pH range of 0 to 7. The pH scale is a measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Substances with a pH greater than 7 are considered alkaline or basic, while those with a pH less than 7 are considered acidic.

Alkalis have a bitter taste and a slippery feel. They can turn red litmus paper blue, indicating their basic nature. Common examples of alkalis include baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), ammonia, and lye (sodium hydroxide). These substances all have a pH greater than 7, making them alkaline.

The strength of an alkali can vary, just like the strength of an acid can. Strong alkalis, such as sodium hydroxide, have a high pH, close to 14. They are very reactive and can be dangerous if not handled correctly. On the other hand, weak alkalis, like baking soda, have a pH closer to 7. They are less reactive and safer to handle.

It's important to remember that the pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each step represents a tenfold difference in acidity or alkalinity. So, a substance with a pH of 8 is ten times more alkaline than a substance with a pH of 7, and a substance with a pH of 9 is 100 times more alkaline than a substance with a pH of 7. This is why even small changes in pH can have a big impact on the properties of a substance.