Soapy water is typically basic. Which pH value is most likely for soapy water?

• A. $7$
• B. $3$
• C. $1$
• D. $12$

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where pH 7 is neutral, values less than 7 are acidic, and values greater than 7 are basic (alkaline).
2. Understand that soapy water is basic because soap molecules are typically salts of weak acids and strong bases, which increase the concentration of OH⁻ ions in solution.
3. Identify that a basic solution will have a pH value greater than 7, so any pH value less than or equal to 7 (such as 1, 3, or 7) cannot represent soapy water.
4. Among the given options, select the pH value that is greater than 7, which indicates a basic solution; in this case, pH 12 is the only basic value provided.
5. Conclude that since soapy water is basic, the most likely pH value for it is 12, reflecting its alkaline nature.