A neutral solution has a pH of:

## The reasoning The pH scale measures how acidic or basic (alkaline) a solution is, ranging from 0 to 14. It's based on the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the solution. **A neutral solution means neither acidic nor basic** — it has equal amounts of H⁺ ions and OH⁻ ions. Pure water at 25°C is the perfect example. At this balance point, the pH is exactly **7**. Think of pH like a number line: - pH < 7 = **acidic** (more H⁺ ions) — like lemon juice, vinegar - pH = 7 = **neutral** (balanced) — like pure water - pH > 7 = **basic/alkaline** (more OH⁻ ions) — like soap, bleach ## Why the wrong options tempt you **A (pH 1)** — This is *strongly acidic* (like battery acid). Students might confuse "starting point" with "neutral point." **B (pH 5)** — This is *weakly acidic* (like rain water). It's close to 7, so it can trick you if you're unsure. **D (pH 14)** — This is *strongly basic* (like drain cleaner). Some think extremes = neutral, but that's wrong. ## Quick takeaway **Seven is heaven — perfectly neutral, perfectly balanced, like pure water.**