A substance with a pH of 8 is classified as what type of compound?

A substance with a pH of 8 is classified as a weak base. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 indicates an acidic environment, where the concentration of hydrogen ions is high, while a pH above 7 indicates a basic (or alkaline) environment, where the concentration of hydroxide ions is higher than that of hydrogen ions.

Since a pH of 8 is above 7 but not significantly high (which would typically indicate a strong base), it suggests that the substance is a weak base. Weak bases do not fully dissociate in solution, therefore they exhibit a more moderate pH level compared to strong bases, which usually have a pH in the range of 12 to 14. This understanding is essential for nursing practice, particularly in areas involving body chemistry and fluid management.