What is the pH scale, and why is it important?

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 and measures the acidity or basicity of a solution. A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, a pH of 7 indicates neutrality, and a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution. Understanding the pH of substances is important in many fields, including biology, chemistry, and environmental science, as it affects chemical reactions and biological processes.