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Ch. 2 Basic Chemistry
Marieb - Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology 13th Edition
Marieb13th EditionEssentials of Human Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780135624340Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 2, Problem 4

Alkaline substances include which of the following?
a. Gastric juice
b. Water
c. Blood
d. Lemon juice
e. Ammonia

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of alkaline substances. Alkaline substances have a pH greater than 7, indicating they are basic rather than acidic. Acids have a pH less than 7, while neutral substances have a pH of 7.
Step 2: Analyze each option provided in the question. Determine whether each substance is acidic, neutral, or alkaline based on its typical pH value.
Step 3: Gastric juice (option a) is highly acidic, with a pH of around 1-3, due to the presence of hydrochloric acid. Therefore, it is not alkaline.
Step 4: Water (option b) is neutral, with a pH of approximately 7. It is neither acidic nor alkaline.
Step 5: Blood (option c) is slightly alkaline, with a pH range of 7.35-7.45. Lemon juice (option d) is acidic, with a pH of around 2-3. Ammonia (option e) is strongly alkaline, with a pH of around 11-12. Based on this analysis, identify the alkaline substances from the list.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

pH Scale

The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH less than 7 indicates acidity, while a pH greater than 7 indicates alkalinity. Understanding the pH scale is essential for identifying alkaline substances, as it helps categorize solutions based on their hydrogen ion concentration.
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pH Scale

Alkaline Substances

Alkaline substances, also known as bases, are compounds that can accept hydrogen ions or donate electron pairs in reactions. Common examples include sodium hydroxide and ammonia. Recognizing which substances are alkaline is crucial for answering the question, as it involves identifying those with a pH greater than 7.
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Common Alkaline Solutions

Certain everyday substances are known to be alkaline, such as ammonia and some cleaning agents. In contrast, substances like gastric juice and lemon juice are acidic. Familiarity with common alkaline solutions helps in distinguishing them from acidic ones, which is necessary for selecting the correct answers in the multiple-choice question.
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