An unknown substance has a pH of 2.5. Which of the following is it likely to be?
baking soda
baking soda
ammonia
ammonia
water
water
vinegar
vinegar
From the given options, it is most likely that the unknown substance with a pH of 2.5 is vinegar. Vinegar is typically acidic and has a lower pH value, around 2-3. Baking soda is actually a base and would have a higher pH value, while ammonia and water are both neutral with a pH of 7.
To determine the unknown substance based on its pH value, you need to understand pH and how it relates to different substances. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution and is typically measured on a scale of 0 to 14.
- A pH value of 2.5 indicates that the substance is acidic because it falls below 7 on the pH scale.
- Baking soda has a pH value of around 8.3-9, which makes it alkaline.
- Ammonia has a pH value of around 11-12, which also makes it alkaline.
- Water has a neutral pH of 7, meaning it is neither acidic nor alkaline.
- Vinegar has a pH value of around 2-3, which makes it acidic.
Since the unknown substance has a pH of 2.5, it is likely to be vinegar as it falls within the pH range associated with vinegar.