The pH scale and neutralisation

Acids produce hydrogen ions (H⁺) in aqueous solutions.

Aqueous solutions of alkalis contain hydroxide ions (OH⁻).

The pH scale, from 0 to 14, is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, and can be measured using universal indicator or a pH probe.

A solution with pH 7 is neutral. Aqueous solutions of acids have pH values of less than 7 and aqueous solutions of alkalis have pH values greater than 7.

In neutralisation reactions between an acid and an alkali, hydrogen ions react with hydroxide ions to produce water.

This reaction can be represented by the equation:

$$\mathrm{H^+(aq)}+\mathrm{OH^-(aq)}\longrightarrow\mathrm{H_2O(l)}$$