What is the pH range of a neutral solution?

The pH of a neutral solution is defined as 7, which is the midpoint of the pH scale that ranges from 0 to 14. At this value, the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) is equal to the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻), resulting in a state where the solution is neither acidic nor basic. This balance is crucial because it indicates that the solution has qualities of both an acid and a base in equal measure, leading to neutrality.

Understanding why a pH of 7 is critical to various chemical and biological processes is essential. For example, many biochemical reactions, including those in human physiology, occur optimally at a pH close to neutral. Thus, knowing that 7 represents this neutral point allows students to contextualize pH changes in solutions as they shift towards acidity (below 7) or alkalinity (above 7).