Which term describes a solution with pH equal to 7?

Which term describes a solution with pH equal to 7?

• A. Neutral
• B. Acidic
• C. Basic
• D. Amphoteric

Answer: (A)

A solution with pH 7 is neutral. The pH scale reflects hydrogen ion concentration: when [H+] equals [OH−], about 1×10−7 M each at room temperature, the solution is neutral and has pH 7. If [H+] exceeds [OH−], the solution becomes acidic with pH below 7; if [OH−] exceeds [H+], it becomes basic with pH above 7. Amphoteric describes substances that can act as both acid and base, which is not what pH 7 indicates. So the correct term is neutral.

A solution with pH 7 is neutral. The pH scale reflects hydrogen ion concentration: when [H+] equals [OH−], about 1×10−7 M each at room temperature, the solution is neutral and has pH 7. If [H+] exceeds [OH−], the solution becomes acidic with pH below 7; if [OH−] exceeds [H+], it becomes basic with pH above 7. Amphoteric describes substances that can act as both acid and base, which is not what pH 7 indicates. So the correct term is neutral.