NIC Nail Technician Written ExamScientific ConceptsMedium

A technician is preparing to use a chemical product that has a pH of 12. According to the pH scale, this product is considered:

  1. ANeutral
  2. BHighly acidic
  3. CHighly alkaline
  4. DSlightly acidic
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C. Highly alkaline

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. Values below 7 are acidic, and values above 7 are alkaline (or basic). A pH of 12 is significantly above 7, indicating a highly alkaline substance.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Neutral substances have a pH of 7.
  • B. Highly acidic substances have a pH closer to 0 or 1.
  • D. Slightly acidic substances have a pH between 4 and 6.

pH Scale

A scale from 0 to 14 used to specify the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, with 7 being neutral, below 7 acidic, and above 7 alkaline.

  • 0-6.9 is acidic.
  • 7 is neutral.
  • 7.1-14 is alkaline (basic).
  • Extreme values (0-2, 12-14) are highly corrosive.

Memory trick: Acid is 0-6, Neutral is 7, Alkali is 8-14.

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