Term (alkaline = basic) for the pH value reaction of an aqueous solution that has a higher pH value than 7 (up to a maximum of 14). Alkaline solutions (pH greater than 7) have a higher proportion of positively charged particles (bases) compared to the proportion of negatively charged particles (acids). In chemistry, acidic and alkaline are opposite states. However, this is not defined by flavour, but by the result of how the substance reacts. An acidic taste sensation does not mean that something is chemically acid (i.e. not alkaline).

A lemon, for example, tastes acid but is chemically alkaline. On the pH scale from 1 to 14, alkaline (pH greater than 7) is the opposite of acidic/acidic (pH less than 7). A pH value of exactly 7 is described as neutral, in which case the ratio of acids and bases dissolved in the water is in a balanced state.
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