The pH of the gastric juices released during digestion is

1. less than 7
2. more than 7
3. equal to 7
4. equal to 0

Correct Answer: (a) less than 7

Explanation: The pH of the stomach is below 7 (acidic) to ensure an easy breakdown of food particles.

(Refer image for better understanding)

 The pH of a solution is a measure of the molar concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution and as such is a measure of the acidity or basicity of the solution. 

The letters pH stand for "power of hydrogen" and the numerical value for pH is just the negative of the power of 10 of the molar concentration of H+ ions.

To calculate the pH of an aqueous solution you need to know the concentration of the hydronium ion in moles per litre (molarity). 

The pH is then calculated using the expression: pH = - log [H3O+]. 

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH less than 7 is acidic in nature. A pH of 7 is neutral and pH greater than 7 is basic in nature.)