Is the ‘neutral’ of the pH scale based on something scientifically objective, or simply what is ideal for humans?
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It’s based on the nature of pure H20 water. Naturally, some small portion of H20 molecules will separate into H+ and OH- atoms/molecules and form a balance with each other and the surround water molecules, called an “equilibrium” in chemistry. In this context “equilibrium” doesn’t mean perfectly 50/50, it means however much H+ there is and however much OH- there is, that balance, will be kept stable by the chemistry of the liquid.
Many other liquids will form a similar equilibria but will favor the H+ side or the OH- side and the pH scale is essentially a mathematical expression of how strongly that compound favors the H+ or OH- side of the balance.
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