What Do pH Testing Strips Measure?

PH is a standard measurement of a solution's acidity or basicity. A baseline, neutral pH is 7; anything rated above a 7 is basic, and anything below a 7 is acidic. PH can be easily measured using pH testing strips. PH measurement strips are used in a variety of settings, both professionally and personally.

History

• PH was first introduced as a measure of acidity and basicity by Soren Peder Lauritz Sorensen in 1909. PH is now a standard measurement scale among the scientific community.

Chemical Definition

• PH is, technically, a symbol representing a logarithmic equation of a hydrogen ion's reciprocal concentration in gram atoms per liter.

Testing Strips

• PH testing strips are available for pennies a piece. Once an acidic or basic solution comes in contact with the strip, even slightly, the strip delivers a color-coded pH reading and the strip is unusable for future measurement.

Measurement

• Though even a small amount of solution can activate a pH testing strip, the most accurate readings require even submersion in the testable solution for several seconds.

Uses

• PH testing strips are most commonly used to measure the acidity or basicity of tap water, pool water, fish tank water or other consumer water-based products. PH testing strips are also used in chemistry classrooms and labs.

Rationale

• Testing is necessary to ensure a relatively neutral water-borne environment; overly basic or acidic water can harm aquatic life, irritate the skin or cause harm when ingested. Many consumer testing strips have additional color-coded indicators to test for chlorine or other water-borne chemicals.