Which of the following correctly lists the substances from highest to lowest pH?
A. lemon juice, distilled water, milk of magnesia
B. distilled water, milk of magnesia, lemon juice
C. lemon juice, milk of magnesia, distilled water
D. milk of magnesia, distilled water, lemon juice
C. lemon juice, milk of magnesia, distilled water
To determine the correct order of substances from highest to lowest pH, we need to understand the concept of pH. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution and ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being considered neutral. A pH below 7 indicates acidity, while a pH above 7 indicates alkalinity.
To find the correct order, we need to know the pH values of lemon juice, distilled water, and milk of magnesia.
Lemon juice is known to be acidic, with a pH ranging from 2 to 3. Therefore, it has the lowest pH value.
Distilled water, with a pH of 7, is neutral.
Finally, milk of magnesia is an alkaline substance, typically having a pH of around 10.5.
Now, let's examine the options:
A. lemon juice, distilled water, milk of magnesia - This option correctly arranges the substances from lowest to highest pH, so it is not the correct answer.
B. distilled water, milk of magnesia, lemon juice - This option incorrectly arranges the substances from lowest to highest pH, so it is not the correct answer.
C. lemon juice, milk of magnesia, distilled water - This option correctly arranges the substances from lowest to highest pH, so it could be the correct answer.
D. milk of magnesia, distilled water, lemon juice - This option incorrectly arranges the substances from highest to lowest pH, so it is not the correct answer.
Based on the explanations above, the correct answer would be option C: lemon juice, milk of magnesia, distilled water.
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand the pH scale. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being considered neutral. Substances with a pH below 7 are considered acidic, and substances with a pH above 7 are considered basic or alkaline.
Lemon juice is acidic, typically having a pH ranging from 2 to 3.
Distilled water has a neutral pH of 7.
Milk of magnesia is basic, typically having a pH ranging from 10 to 11.
Now, let's compare the pH values:
A. lemon juice (2-3), distilled water (7), milk of magnesia (10-11)
B. distilled water (7), milk of magnesia (10-11), lemon juice (2-3)
C. lemon juice (2-3), milk of magnesia (10-11), distilled water (7)
D. milk of magnesia (10-11), distilled water (7), lemon juice (2-3)
Based on the pH values, the correct answer is option C. The substances are listed from highest to lowest pH: lemon juice, milk of magnesia, distilled water.