What is the pH scale used for?

The pH scale is a logarithmic scale used specifically to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution, indicating how acidic or alkaline a solution is. It ranges from 0 to 14, where a pH of 7 is considered neutral. Values below 7 denote acidic solutions, while values above 7 indicate basic (or alkaline) solutions. Understanding the pH of a solution is essential in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science, as it affects chemical reactions, biological processes, and the viability of organisms in different environments.

In contrast, measuring temperature changes in ecosystems involves temperature metrics rather than the pH scale. Identifying different species in a habitat pertains to ecological and taxonomic studies, which do not utilize the pH scale. Similarly, assessing nutrient levels in soil requires different methods and measurements like soil testing for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, rather than evaluating pH alone. Thus, the primary and correct function of the pH scale is its ability to measure the acidity or basicity of solutions.