One solution has pH 1 and another has pH 4. How much greater is the hydrogen ion concentration in the first solution?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Thousand times
The governing concept is the logarithmic pH scale, defined as pH = −log10[H+]. A difference of one pH unit represents a tenfold difference in hydrogen-ion concentration. The values 1 and 4 differ by three units, so the ratio is 10^3 = 1000. Therefore the pH 1 solution has one thousand times the hydrogen-ion concentration of the pH 4 solution, making option C correct. It is not merely three times.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Thousand times
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is the logarithmic pH scale, defined as pH = −log10[H+]. A difference of one pH unit represents a tenfold difference in hydrogen-ion concentration. The values 1 and 4 differ by three units, so the ratio is 10^3 = 1000. Therefore the pH 1 solution has one thousand times the hydrogen-ion concentration of the pH 4 solution, making option C correct. It is not merely three times.
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.