what is the importance of PH in everyday life
Answers
Answer:
pH plays a very important role in our everyday life. 1. In our digestive system :Hydrochloric acid produced in our stomach helps the digestion of food without causing any harm to the stomach. But when the amount of the acid goes beyond a certain limit due to indigestion, pain and irritation are created in the stomach.
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Explanation:
The strength of an acid or an alkali can be tested by using a scale called the pH scale (0-14) which gives the measure of hydrogen ion concentration in a solution.
pH has very important role in our life :
(i) In animal world :
Many of the processes in our body occur within the pH range of 7.0 to 7.8. We can survive only in this narrow range. pH value of our blood, tears, saliva is nearly 7.4. Survival become impossible if this value becomes less than 7.0 or more than 7.8. When pH of rain decreases from 7.0 to 5.6 or less then it is called acid rain. When acid rain flows to the rivers then pH value of river water lowers. Survival of aquatic life in such rivers become difficult.
(ii) For plants :
For healthy growth of plants a specific pH range of soil is required. If soil becomes more basic or acidic, produce badly affected.
(iii) Digestive system :
Our stomach produces HCl, which without harming us help in the digestion of food. During indigestion the stomach produces too much of acid. This causes pain and irritation in the stomach. To get rid of this pain, bases are used which are called antacids. For this weak base like milk of magnesia is used.
(iv) Tooth decay :
If pH value of the mouth is lower than 5.5, then tooth decay begins. Our teeth are made up of calcium phosphate which is hardest substance in our body. It is not soluble in water but starts decaying when pH value of the mouth is lower than 5.5. Bacteria present in the mouth produces acids by degradation of sugar and food particles. To get rid of this we should use basic tooth paste. This will neutralize the acid and tooth decay can be prevented.
(v) Relief from insect stings :
When some insects sting us, they leave a special type of acid in our body. Bees, ants etc. leave methanoic acid in our body by their sting. To get relief from pain, mild base like baking soda is rubbed on the stung area.
(vi) Safety from special plants :
Plants like neetle have stingging hair. By touching them we feel pain similar to insect sting. This pain is due to methanoic acid. Conventionally, one can get relief by rubbing leaves of dock plant on the stung area.
Additional Information
A neutral solution has a pH of exactly 7, while an acidic solution has pH value less than 7 and a basic solution of pH more than 7.