The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14.

by Harry Sorensen
(Qld Australia)

Your notes on pH start with


The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14.

This is false.. (but often stated in bad chemistry texts )

10 molar hydrochloric acid has pH of -1

a cold saturated ammonia solution has high pH

I agree that for body pH the range 5 to 8 is practical.

Check the definition of pH scale as stated by its inventor Sorensen


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Approach Wellness stands corrected! Harry's Right!
by: Brian

Wow! Søren Peder Lauritz Sørensen introduced the pH scale and got a Google Doodle dedicated to him.

Harry, thank you for the excellent and informative feedback. The 0 to 14 idea seems to have run rampant. Thank you for your comment and research. I love how the community here provides additional resources and information to help.

Your mission shall continue. I found a Vox article about Sorensen that also states that the pH scale goes from 0-14.

https://www.vox.com/2018/5/29/17404820/spl-sorensen-google-doodle-ph-scale

From Wikipedia - "The pH value can be less than 0 for very strong acids or greater than 14 for very strong bases."

Lim, Kieran F. (2006). "Negative pH Does Exist". Journal of Chemical Education. 83 (10): 1465. Bibcode:2006JChEd..83.1465L. doi:10.1021/ed083p1465.

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