The pH of vomit is typically around 2.0. This highly acidic nature is due to the presence of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach, which is essential for digestion.
The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, with a lower pH indicating greater acidity. For reference, stomach acid has a pH of around 1.5 to 2.5, while water has a pH of 7.0, which is neutral.
The acidic nature of vomit is why it can cause a burning sensation in the throat and mouth. It can also irritate the esophagus, leading to heartburn or acid reflux.
