Which pH reading indicates a basic solution?

A pH reading of 7.1 and above indicates a basic solution, meaning it has a higher concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) than hydrogen ions (H⁺). The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where a value of 7.0 is considered neutral, signifying an equal balance of H⁺ and OH⁻ ions, typically found in pure water. When the pH exceeds 7.0 and moves towards 14, the solution becomes increasingly basic.

At a pH of 9.0 or higher, the solution is strongly basic, with a significantly higher concentration of hydroxide ions. This is important in various scientific fields, including funeral service education, where the chemical properties of solutions can affect processes such as embalming. Understanding pH is crucial for those in the funeral service industry to ensure proper chemical reactions and the effectiveness of embalming fluids.