Here's why:
* Dissociation: While H₂O₂ is a weak acid, it does partially dissociate in water, releasing a small amount of hydrogen ions (H⁺):
H₂O₂ ⇌ H⁺ + HO₂⁻
* pH Impact: The presence of these hydrogen ions makes the solution slightly acidic.
The exact pH of hydrogen peroxide depends on its concentration. A 3% solution (commonly found in drugstores) typically has a pH around 6.5. However, more concentrated solutions will be more acidic.
Important Note: Hydrogen peroxide is a reactive compound and should be handled with care. Always refer to the product's safety information.