Base

Unlike an acid, a base reduces the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution. The hydrogen ion concentration is reduced in some bases by a higher hydroxide concentration which can then form with hydrogen ions to create water. When there is a higher concentration of hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions in a solution, this is known as a basic solution. However, if there are an equal number of hydroxide and hydrogen ions, this is known as a neutral.

The picture above shows household bleach, which is at a level of 12 on the pH scale. This solution is more basic than solutions with values lower than 12, but not as basic as those with values of 13 or 14. The higher the number, the more basic a solution is on the pH scale.


Works Cited:
Campbell, Neil, Jane Reece, and Lawrence Mitchell. “Water and the Fitness of the Environment.” Biology. Fifth ed. Menlo Park: Jim Green Publishing, 1999. 44. Print.