Bases on the other hand, have a pH of 7.1 to 14 and remove hydrogen ions from a solution. In a base, the hydroxide group attaches to the hydrogen and water is formed. Bases conduct electricity, are slippery, and are caustic, which means they can eat through skin. Examples of bases include human blood, baking soda, oven cleaner, and drain opener.
A buffer is a chemical that can resist changes in pH. For example, in a strong acid solution, there will be many hydrogen ions. If a buffer is added, the buffer will be attracted to these hydrogen ions. The negative buffer will react with, and will absorb the hydrogen. Therefore, the pH of the solution does not change. In a basic solution, a buffer will release hydrogen ions.
The pH scale is a scale that measures how acidic or how basic a solution is. PH is the concentration of hydrogen, expressed as a logarithm. Each change in the pH scale of one unit is a change in 10 times the concentraion of hydrogen. The pH scale is used in our everyday lives. Every time you use vinegar, you are using a substance that is alkaline on the pH scale. Soil is sometimes treated to make it more or less acidic in order to make it a better environment for growing specific plants. The pH scale is also used to measure the pH of pool water in a swimming pool.
