What do the letters in pH stand for?

The correct answer is "Potential of Hydrogen." The term pH is a logarithmic measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in a solution, which directly indicates its acidity or basicity. This measurement reflects the amount of hydrogen ions present, as a higher concentration of hydrogen ions signifies a more acidic solution.

The term "potential" relates to the tendency of hydrogen ions to determine the pH level. The scale is designed such that lower pH values (below 7) signify acidic solutions, while higher pH values (above 7) indicate basic or alkaline solutions, with a pH of 7 representing neutrality.

Understanding that pH is about the potential of hydrogen ions helps connect the mathematical aspects of acidity and the chemical behavior of substances in solutions. This framework is foundational in fields such as chemistry, biology, and environmental science, where pH can significantly impact chemical reactions and biological processes.