* pH scale: The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It ranges from 0 to 14.
* Neutral: A pH of 7 is considered neutral, meaning the solution is neither acidic nor alkaline.
* Alkaline/Basic: A pH above 7 indicates an alkaline (basic) solution.
* Hydroxide ions: Hydroxide ions (OH-) are characteristic of alkaline solutions. They increase the concentration of hydroxide ions in the solution, making it more basic.
Therefore, a solution containing hydroxide ions will always have a pH greater than 7.