What is the pH scale range for measuring acidity and basicity?

The pH scale is a logarithmic scale ranging from 0 to 14, which is used to measure the acidity or basicity (alkalinity) of a solution. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, indicating a balance between hydrogen ions (H⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). Values below 7 represent acidic solutions, where there is a higher concentration of hydrogen ions, while values above 7 indicate basic (alkaline) solutions, characterized by a higher concentration of hydroxide ions.

This range is significant in various fields, including environmental science and wastewater management, as it helps in understanding and controlling the chemical properties of water and other solutions. Maintaining an appropriate pH is crucial in wastewater treatment, as extreme pH levels can harm aquatic life and disrupt biological processes essential for breaking down waste.

The other provided ranges do not accurately reflect the scientific standards used for pH measurement. A scale ranging from 0 to 7 would only encompass acidic values and would not include neutral or basic ranges. Similarly, options that state 0 to 10 or 0 to 20 do not align with the conventional pH scale, which is universally accepted as being from 0 to 14.