Because the base "soaks up" hydrogen ions, the result is a solution with more hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions. This kind of solution is alkaline. Acidity and alkalinity are measured with a logarithmic scale called pH. read more
The "lost" hydrogen ions join up with water molecules to form hydronium ions (H3O+). For simplicity, hydronium ions are referred to as hydrogen ions H+. In pure water, there are an equal number of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. The solution is neither acidic or basic. read more
A common task in chemistry labs is to identify whether a given solution is acidic, neutral or basic, which are determined by a solution's pH level. read more