Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

What is the pH level of an alkaline solution?

1. Less than 5

2. Equal to 7

3. Greater than 7

4. Equal to 10

The correct answer is: Greater than 7

An alkaline solution, also known as a basic solution, has a pH level that is greater than 7. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where values below 7 indicate acidity, values of exactly 7 represent neutrality, and values above 7 suggest alkalinity. Consequently, any solution with a pH above 7 will be considered alkaline, which includes values such as 8, 9, 10, and so on. Understanding the implications of pH is also important in various contexts, such as chemistry and biology. For example, human bodily fluids like blood maintain a slightly alkaline pH around 7.4, and many biological functions depend on maintaining an appropriate pH balance. Thus, recognizing that a pH greater than 7 defines an alkaline solution is essential knowledge in fields that study chemical and biological processes.