Between two acidic solutions of pH 3 and pH 5, which one is more acidic?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: The one with pH 3
pH is defined as −log₁₀[H⁺], so a lower pH means a greater hydrogen-ion concentration and stronger acidity. The difference between pH 3 and pH 5 is two units; therefore the pH 3 solution has 10², or about 100 times, the hydrogen-ion concentration of the pH 5 solution, assuming comparable conditions. It is consequently more acidic, making option C correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
The one with pH 3
Why is this the correct answer?
pH is defined as −log₁₀[H⁺], so a lower pH means a greater hydrogen-ion concentration and stronger acidity. The difference between pH 3 and pH 5 is two units; therefore the pH 3 solution has 10², or about 100 times, the hydrogen-ion concentration of the pH 5 solution, assuming comparable conditions. It is consequently more acidic, making option C correct.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts.
