Acids and Bases In Cells

1. Substances that release ions in water are called electrolytes.

2. Electrolytes that release hydrogen ions in water are called acids.

3. Electrolytes that release ions that combine with hydrogen ions in water are called bases.

4. The concentrations of H+ & OH- in the body are very important to physiology.

5. pH represents the concentration of hydrogen ions [H⁺] in solution.

6. A pH of 7 indicates a neutral solution with equal numbers of hydrogen ions and hydroxyl (OH^–) ions.

a. A pH of zero to less than 7 indicates the presence of more hydrogen ions, and thus the solution is more acidic; a pH greater than 7 to 14 indicates more hydroxyl ions, or a basic solution.

b. Between each whole number of the pH scale there is a tenfold difference in hydrogen ion concentration.

What is the pH of the body? ________________

Why is having the pH at that point important? ___________________

Where is the pH different in the body? ________________________

Why is that ok? _______________________________________