If a solution has a pH less than 7, how is it classified?

A solution with a pH less than 7 is classified as acidic. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values below 7 indicating acidity. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, which means the solution is neither acidic nor basic, while values above 7 signify a basic (or alkaline) solution. In acidic solutions, the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) is greater than that of hydroxide ions (OH⁻), leading to a lower pH value. This high concentration of H⁺ ions is what characterizes the solution as acidic. It’s important to understand these distinctions, as they are fundamental to the behavior of acids and bases in chemistry.