What is the pH scale used for?

The pH scale is specifically designed for measuring the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, where a value of 7 is considered neutral, values below 7 indicate acidity, and values above 7 indicate alkalinity. The scale provides a logarithmic measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution, allowing scientists and researchers to determine how acidic or basic a solution is. This is particularly important in various fields such as chemistry, biology, and environmental science, where the pH can significantly affect chemical reactions, biological processes, and ecosystem health. Thus, the correct answer reflects the primary function of the pH scale in analyzing substances.