What does the pH scale measure?

The pH scale measures acidity or alkalinity, which is essential in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values below 7 indicating acidic conditions, values above 7 indicating alkaline conditions, and a value of 7 representing a neutral solution. Understanding pH is crucial in kitchen planning, especially when considering the properties of materials, food safety, and cooking processes. For example, certain ingredients can behave differently depending on the pH level, affecting taste, texture, and preservation.

Temperature, quality of light, and humidity levels, while relevant in many contexts, do not relate to what the pH scale measures. These factors are significant in their own right but do not provide any information about acidity or alkalinity, which is the primary focus of the pH scale.