The document defines pH as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion (H+) activity in a solution, with the pH scale ranging from 0 to 14. The hydrogen ions determine if a solution is acidic, alkaline, or neutral - if the hydrogen ion content is measured, the acidity or alkalinity can be determined. Water molecules dissociate into hydrogen and hydroxide ions through autoionization, affecting pH. pH indicators change color depending on the pH of a solution, allowing determination of acidity or alkalinity.