Question

How does pH play an important role in everyday life?

Answer 1

Our body works within the pH range of 7.0 to 7.8. Living organisms can survive only in a narrow range of pH changes. Different body fluids have different pH values.

Eg: the pH of blood is ranging from 7.35 to 7.45. Any increase or decrease in this value leads to diseases. The ideal pH for blood is 7.4.

pH in our digestive system: It is very interesting to note that our stomach produces hydrochloric acid. It helps in the digestion of food without harming the stomach. During indigestion, the stomach produces too much acid and this causes pain and irritation. the pH of the stomach fluid is approximately 2.0.

pH changes as the cause of tooth decay: pH of the saliva normally ranges between 6.5 to 7.5. The white enamel coating of our teeth is calcium phosphate, the hardest substance in our body. When the pH of the mouth saliva falls below 5.5, the enamel gets weathered. Toothpaste, which is generally basic ate used for cleaning the teeth that can neutralize the excess acid and prevent tooth decay.

the pH of soil: In agriculture, the pH of the soil is very important. Citrus fruits require slightly alkaline soil, while rice requires acidic soil and sugarcane requires neutral soil.

the pH of rainwater: The pH of rainwater is approximately 7, which means that it is neutral and also represents its high purity. If the atmospheric air is polluted with oxide gases of sulphur and nitrogen, they get dissolved in the rainwater and make its pH less than 7. Thus, if the pH of rainwater is less than 7, then it is called acid rain. When acid rain flows into the rivers it lowers the pH of the river water also. The survival of aquatic life in such rivers becomes difficult.