On the pH scale, which range indicates acidic water?

On the pH scale, which range indicates acidic water?

• A. 7 to 14
• B. 0 to 6.9
• C. 7
• D. 0 to 14

Answer: (B)

Acidity is defined by having a pH below 7. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Water is acidic when its pH is less than 7, and it becomes basic (alkaline) as the pH rises above 7. Therefore, the range that indicates acidic water is 0 to 6.9. In practice, utilities monitor pH to prevent corrosion and to maintain water quality, aiming for a neutral to slightly alkaline range (about 6.5 to 8.5) for most drinking water.

Acidity is defined by having a pH below 7. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Water is acidic when its pH is less than 7, and it becomes basic (alkaline) as the pH rises above 7. Therefore, the range that indicates acidic water is 0 to 6.9. In practice, utilities monitor pH to prevent corrosion and to maintain water quality, aiming for a neutral to slightly alkaline range (about 6.5 to 8.5) for most drinking water.