Learning objective

Explain why pH increases when an acid is neutralised by an alkali.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

Start flashcards Try practice questions Topic hub

At a glance

Flashcards

Questions

Topic

Reactions of acids

Subtopic

The pH scale and neutralisation

AQA GCSE ChemistryChemical changes

Study support

Understand this objective

Short explanation

Explain why pH increases when an acid is neutralised by an alkali. This objective belongs to The pH scale and neutralisation within Reactions of acids for AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462. A strong answer should use acid accurately, explain the chemistry behind the statement, and connect the idea back to the exact command in the objective. When revising, separate this point from neighbouring Chemistry ideas by naming the relevant particle, substance, process, calculation, observation, or structure before giving the final conclusion.

Key concepts

pHneutralisation

Why it matters

This objective helps connect The pH scale and neutralisation to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Reactions of acids.

Common mistakes

1 linked

Misinterpreting pH change as a direct ion count: Explain that pH is calculated from the negative log of the H⁺ concentration; when an alkali supplies OH⁻, the H⁺ concentration falls exponentially, so the pH rises by a number of units that depends on the amount of OH⁻ added and the initial H⁺ concentration, not by a fixed amount.

Revision tools