How are household ammonia and human blood classified in terms of pH?

Prepare for the HESI A2 Science Test with focused study materials. Enhance your understanding of biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology with our quizzes, complete with hints and thorough explanations. Get exam ready now!

Household ammonia and human blood are classified as bases due to their pH values. Household ammonia typically has a pH around 11-12, making it a strong alkaline substance. This property allows it to accept protons (H+) when dissolved in water, which is a defining characteristic of bases.

Human blood, while not as alkaline as ammonia, is also on the basic side of the pH scale, generally maintaining a pH of about 7.35 to 7.45. This slightly basic nature is crucial for many biochemical processes in the body, as it helps to maintain homeostasis, especially in regulating acid-base balance in tissues and organs.

In contrast, acids have a pH lower than 7, neutral solutions have a pH of around 7, and salts are the result of the neutralization reaction between acids and bases, typically dissolving in water and creating solutions that could be acidic, neutral, or basic depending on their composition. Therefore, both household ammonia and human blood fall into the category of bases due to their higher pH values.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy