NEUTRAL SOLUTION Meaning and
Definition
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A neutral solution refers to a type of solution in chemistry where the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) are equal, resulting in a pH level of 7. In this state, the solution neither exhibits acidic nor basic properties, hence the term "neutral."
The pH scale, ranging from 0 to 14, is commonly used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. pH 7 is considered to be the midpoint of this scale, symbolizing the neutral state. A substance that is neither acidic below pH 7 nor alkaline above pH 7 is considered neutral.
Neutralization is the process of combining an acid and a base, such as hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide, resulting in a neutral solution. During neutralization, the hydrogen ions from the acid (contributing to the acidity) react with the hydroxide ions from the base (contributing to the alkalinity) to form water molecules. This chemical reaction neutralizes the solution, eliminating the acidic or basic properties.
Neutral solutions have various applications and play a significant role in different fields, such as chemical analysis, laboratory experiments, and biological systems. They act as reference points for the measurement of acidity or alkalinity, and are often used as solvents or mediums for chemical reactions. Additionally, neutral solutions serve as indicators for titrations, a quantitative analytical technique used to determine the concentration of an unknown substance in a solution.
Etymology of NEUTRAL SOLUTION
The word "neutral" derives from the Latin word "neutrālis", which means "neither one side nor the other". It is formed from the prefix "ne-" meaning "not" or "without" and "uter" meaning "either". The term "solution" is derived from Latin too, from the word "solūtiō", meaning "a loosening" or "a solution". When these two terms are combined, "neutral solution" refers to a solution that is neither acidic nor alkaline, implying a pH value of around 7.
