What type of solution does a pH of 7 represent?

A pH of 7 represents a neutral solution, which is significant in the context of acid-base chemistry. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values below 7 indicating acidic solutions and values above 7 indicating basic (or alkaline) solutions. A pH of 7 corresponds to the point where the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) is equal to the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in water, specifically at 25 degrees Celsius. This balance signifies that the solution is neither acidic nor basic.

The neutrality of a solution at pH 7 is often associated with pure water, where no excess H⁺ or OH⁻ ions are present. Understanding this concept is essential, as it forms the foundation for more complex discussions about acid-base reactions, titration curves, and biological systems where pH plays a critical role in enzyme activity and metabolic processes.