Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes an alkaline (basic) aqueous solution at 25 °C?
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17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
The pH Scale
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On the pH scale, a solution’s pH is primarily a measure of what quantity?
A
The total concentration of all ions (ionic strength) in the solution
B
The hydrogen ion concentration, , in the solution
C
The molar concentration of the solute originally dissolved (regardless of dissociation)
D
The hydroxide ion concentration, , in the solution
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that the pH scale is a measure used to indicate the acidity or basicity of a solution.
Recall that pH is defined mathematically as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, expressed as \(\mathrm{pH} = -\log([\mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{O}^+])\).
Recognize that \([\mathrm{H}_3\mathrm{O}^+]\) represents the molar concentration of hydronium ions (which are effectively hydrogen ions in aqueous solution).
Note that pH does not directly measure the total ionic strength, the original solute concentration, or the hydroxide ion concentration, although these can influence pH indirectly.
Conclude that the primary quantity measured by pH is the hydrogen ion concentration, specifically the hydronium ion concentration, in the solution.
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