Study for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Exam. Access multiple choice questions that reflect actual exam content and receive hints and explanations for each question. Prepare effectively and embark on your path to certification!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What type of solution typically has a pH greater than 7?

  1. Neutral

  2. Acidic

  3. Alkaline

  4. Buffered

The correct answer is: Alkaline

The correct answer is indeed that an alkaline solution typically has a pH greater than 7. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where a pH of 7 is considered neutral, indicating a balance between hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. Values above 7 reflect an excess of hydroxide ions, which characterize alkaline (or basic) solutions. These solutions include substances like soap, baking soda, and certain cleaning agents. Neutral solutions have a pH of exactly 7, while acidic solutions have a pH less than 7, indicating an abundance of hydrogen ions. Buffered solutions can maintain a stable pH level, which may be neutral, acidic, or alkaline depending on their specific formulation. However, they do not automatically imply a pH above 7. Therefore, the defining characteristic of an alkaline solution is its higher pH, distinguishing it from the others mentioned.