What characteristic do bases possess in terms of pH?

Bases are defined as substances that can accept protons (H⁺ ions) or donate pairs of valence electrons. In terms of pH, a solution's pH is a measure of its acidity or basicity, with the scale typically ranging from 0 to 14. A pH below 7 signifies an acidic solution, while a pH equal to 7 indicates a neutral solution.

When we consider bases specifically, they produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻) when dissolved in water, leading to an increase in the concentration of OH⁻ ions. This increase results in a pH value that is greater than 7. Therefore, a characteristic feature of bases is that they possess a pH above 7, indicating their basic or alkaline nature. This higher pH means that they are less protonated than neutral solutions and can neutralize acids, which is a common property of basic substances.

Understanding this characteristic is essential not only for recognizing bases in chemical reactions but also for exploring concepts such as neutralization, where acids and bases react to form water and salts, thereby altering the pH of the resulting solution.