If the pH of a solution increases from 3 to 6, what happens to its acidity?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Acidity decreases one thousand times
The governing concept is the logarithmic nature of pH: pH = −log10[H+]. An increase of one pH unit means a tenfold decrease in hydrogen-ion concentration. The change from pH 3 to pH 6 is three units, so [H+] becomes 10 × 10 × 10 = 1000 times smaller. Thus acidity decreases by a factor of 1000, making option A correct; it is not merely three times lower.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Acidity decreases one thousand times
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is the logarithmic nature of pH: pH = −log10[H+]. An increase of one pH unit means a tenfold decrease in hydrogen-ion concentration. The change from pH 3 to pH 6 is three units, so [H+] becomes 10 × 10 × 10 = 1000 times smaller. Thus acidity decreases by a factor of 1000, making option A correct; it is not merely three times lower.
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.
Student feedback
Was this question useful?
👍 0 Helpful 👎 0 Not helpful
Yes 0% No 0%
0 responsesStudent Reviews
No published reviews yet.