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What does a pH level below 7 indicate about a solution?

  1. It is neutral

  2. It is basic

  3. It is acidic

  4. It is harmful

The correct answer is: It is acidic

A pH level below 7 indicates that a solution is acidic. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where 7 is considered neutral, such as pure water. Solutions with pH levels lower than 7 have a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (H+), which gives them acidic properties. Common examples of acidic substances include lemon juice and vinegar, both of which have pH values below 7. A pH value that is neutral signifies that the solution is neither acidic nor basic, while a basic solution has a pH above 7, indicating a higher concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-). While some acidic solutions can potentially be harmful, not all acidic solutions are inherently dangerous; therefore, it is not appropriate to generalize that a low pH is harmful without considering the specific solution in question.