Oven Cleaner pH Classification

Oven Cleaner pH Classification

Oven cleaner has a pH of 13. Classify the pH.

Option 1: Acidic

Option 2: Basic

Option 3: Neutral

Final answer: The pH of oven cleaner is 13. Therefore, it is classified as Basic.

Option 2 is correct.

Explanation: The pH scale is a logarithmic scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. It ranges from 0 to 14. At the center of this scale is 7, which is considered neutral. This means that a substance with a pH of 7 neither donates nor accepts protons.

Anything below 7 on the pH scale is acidic. This means that it donates protons (H+ ions) to other substances. Typical examples include vinegar and lemon juice. Conversely, anything above 7 on the pH scale is basic (or alkaline). Basic substances accept protons from other substances. Some common bases include baking soda and ammonia.

Given that the oven cleaner has a pH of 13, it falls on the basic side of the pH scale and quite far from neutral, which makes it a strong base. This is why oven cleaners can be quite caustic and require careful handling.

In conclusion, based on the pH scale, a substance with a pH of 13, like oven cleaner, is considered basic. Thus correct option is 2.