Definition Of Acidic Solution

Acidic solutions are any solution that has a higher concentration of hydrogen ions than water; solutions that have a lower concentration of hydrogen ions than water are called basic or alkaline solutions.

Classification

Acidity is measured on a scale known as pH which sets water at 7; all acidic solutions have pH less than 7 and bases have pHs greater than 7.

Acidity

The closer an acid is to 0 on the pH scale the more acidic it is; the pH scale is exponential so a decrease of 1 pH amounts to 10 times greater acidity.

Types

Many common solutions are acidic including orange juice, lemon juice, coffee and even saliva. Water contaminated with acidic solutions will itself become slightly acidic.

Corrosion

Acidic solutions have the ability to corrode or "eat" various materials over time; solutions with higher acidity will corrode materials more quickly.

Bodily Function

The human body produces gastric acid and hydrochloric acid in the stomach which helps it break down food.

Cite This Article

MLA

Hamel, Gregory. "Definition Of Acidic Solution" sciencing.com, https://www.sciencing.com/definition-acidic-solution-5535318/. 13 March 2018.

APA

Hamel, Gregory. (2018, March 13). Definition Of Acidic Solution. sciencing.com. Retrieved from https://www.sciencing.com/definition-acidic-solution-5535318/

Chicago

Hamel, Gregory. Definition Of Acidic Solution last modified March 24, 2022. https://www.sciencing.com/definition-acidic-solution-5535318/

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