Understanding pH Meters: A Step-by-Step Guide

The pH -- that is, the acidity or basicity -- of a solution may be determined in one of two ways: with pH paper or a digital pH meter. In either case a pH number from 1 to 14 is the outcome of the test. A reading of seven indicates that the tested solution is neutral (neither basic or acidic); readings below seven indicate increasingly stronger acidity, while readings above seven indicate increasingly stronger basicity.

Instructions

• 1

  Turn the meter on and set it to pH mode.

• 2

  Place the electrode -- a tubular, metal instrument -- into a the beaker filled with your solution.

• 3

  Wait until the meter's needle comes to rest on a reading. Record the number and compare it to a pH chart.