At which pH is a solution neither acidic nor basic?

At which pH is a solution neither acidic nor basic?

• A. 6.9
• B. 14
• C. 7
• D. 0

Answer: (C)

Acidity and basicity are defined by the balance of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH−) in a solution. A neutral solution has equal amounts of H+ and OH−, so it isn’t acidic or basic. On the pH scale, that neutral point sits at the middle of the range under standard conditions. So the correct idea is the one where there is no excess of either ion—the solution is neutral. The other possibilities would tilt toward acidity or basicity: lower pH values correspond to more H+ and an acidic solution, while higher pH values correspond to more OH− and a basic solution.

Acidity and basicity are defined by the balance of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH−) in a solution. A neutral solution has equal amounts of H+ and OH−, so it isn’t acidic or basic. On the pH scale, that neutral point sits at the middle of the range under standard conditions. So the correct idea is the one where there is no excess of either ion—the solution is neutral.

The other possibilities would tilt toward acidity or basicity: lower pH values correspond to more H+ and an acidic solution, while higher pH values correspond to more OH− and a basic solution.