What happens to the pH level of a solution when a base is added?

When a base is added to a solution, the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) increases, which causes the pH level of the solution to increase. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where values below 7 indicate acidity, a pH of 7 is considered neutral, and values above 7 indicate alkalinity (basicity). As the base dissociates in the solution, it reduces the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺), which effectively raises the pH level, shifting it towards the alkaline side of the scale. Therefore, adding a base leads to a higher pH, reflecting a more alkaline solution. This fundamental principle is crucial in chemical reactions, laboratory settings, and various applications in public health and environmental science, where maintaining appropriate pH levels is vital for biological and chemical processes.