A pH meter is laboratory equipment used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The pH meter measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution and provides a value on the pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 indicates neutrality, while values below 7 are acidic and above 7 are alkaline. pH meters are widely used in various scientific and industrial applications, including chemistry, biology, agriculture, water treatment, and food processing.
A typical pH meter consists of a probe that is inserted into the solution being tested and an electronic meter that measures the voltage generated by the probe. The voltage is then converted into a pH value by the meter, which can be displayed on a digital screen. pH meters require regular calibration using standard buffer solutions to ensure accurate and reliable measurements.
There are several types of pH meters available, ranging from simple handheld devices to more advanced benchtop models with multiple measurement modes and features. Some pH meters also come with additional sensors to measure other parameters such as temperature, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen.