🔍 Key Concepts

• pH scale runs from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7 being neutral • Difference between slight and excessive conditions on the pH scale • Typical acceptable pH range for engine cooling water (usually near neutral, slightly alkaline)

💭 Think About

• On the 0–14 pH scale, where does a value of 3.0 fall relative to neutral (7)? • Is a value of 3.0 closer to the extreme acidic end (0) or just a little below neutral (7)? • For metal engine cooling systems, would such a low pH be considered only a minor condition or something that could cause corrosion risk?

✅ Before You Answer

• Confirm that pH < 7 means acidity and pH > 7 means alkalinity • Compare how far 3.0 is from neutral (7) versus from the extreme ends (0 and 14) to judge if it is slight or excessive • Recall that engine cooling systems are normally kept slightly alkaline, not strongly acidic, to protect against corrosion