3.2: Acids and Bases
pH is the measure of the very reactive hydrogen ion. We use the pH scale to measure the hydrogen ion concentration of biological systems. An imbalance of the level of hydrogen ions can be damaging to life. Acids are molecules that, when dissolved by water, increase the levels of hydrogen concentration in the solution. Bases are molecules that, when dissolved by water, decrease the hydrogen concentration in the solution. Buffers work to maintain pH by regulating levels of hydrogen ions in living things.
Watch these short videos, which give an overview of acids, bases, and the pH scale.
Watch this lecture to learn how the pH scale affects biological systems. Remember that acids are proton donors, while bases are proton acceptors.
As you review this section, notice the difference between a strong and weak acid and base. How do the pH measurements of acidic and basic solutions affect living organisms? Different foods have different amounts of hydrogen ions, which is also known as proton concentration.
Watch this lecture, which describes how acids and bases relate to the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. You should be able to explain how acids and bases alter the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution directly and indirectly.