On the pH scale, which pH range corresponds to acidic solutions?

• A. $7<\mathrm{pH}\le 14$
• B. $14<\mathrm{pH}$
• C. $\mathrm{pH}=7$
• D. $0\le \mathrm{pH}<7$

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging typically from 0 to 14.
2. Understand that a pH value less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, where the concentration of hydrogen ions (H\(\textsuperscript{+}\)) is higher than that of pure water.
3. Recognize that a pH of exactly 7 corresponds to a neutral solution, such as pure water, where the concentration of H\(\textsuperscript{+}\) equals the concentration of OH\(\textsuperscript{-}\).
4. Note that pH values greater than 7 indicate basic (alkaline) solutions, where the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH\(\textsuperscript{-}\)) is higher than that of hydrogen ions.
5. Therefore, the pH range corresponding to acidic solutions is from 0 up to but not including 7, which can be written as \(0 \leq \mathrm{pH} < 7\).