What is the pH level of soda ash when dissolved in water?

Soda ash, known chemically as sodium carbonate, exhibits a high pH level when dissolved in water. The reason for this elevated pH is that soda ash is a strong alkaline substance. When sodium carbonate is added to water, it dissociates into sodium ions and carbonate ions. The carbonate ions then react with water, resulting in the formation of hydroxide ions, which significantly increases the pH level.

Typically, the pH of a solution of soda ash in water can range anywhere from around 11 to 13 or even higher, depending on the concentration of soda ash dissolved. This strong alkalinity is beneficial in various applications, such as swimming pool maintenance, where controlling the pH and alkalinity levels is crucial for water balance and swimmer comfort.

In contrast, a neutral pH, such as 7, indicates a balanced acid-base condition, which does not apply here as soda ash is designed to raise pH levels. A pH of 10 and even 11 could represent weaker alkaline solutions, but they still do not capture the full strength of soda ash's alkalinity. Therefore, the designation of pH 13+ accurately reflects the high alkalinity typically associated with soda ash in solution, making this the correct choice.