Multiple Choice
On the pH scale at , which pH value indicates an acidic solution?
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17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
The pH Scale
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On the pH scale, a change of 1 pH unit corresponds to a tenfold change in . How many times more acidic (in terms of concentration) is a solution with pH 6 than a solution with pH 9?
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Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that pH is defined as \(\mathrm{pH} = -\log_{10}[\mathrm{H}^+]\), where \([\mathrm{H}^+]\) is the concentration of hydrogen ions.
Understand that a change of 1 pH unit corresponds to a tenfold change in \([\mathrm{H}^+]\) concentration, meaning if pH decreases by 1, \([\mathrm{H}^+]\) increases by a factor of 10.
Calculate the difference in pH between the two solutions: \(\Delta \mathrm{pH} = 9 - 6 = 3\).
Since each pH unit change corresponds to a factor of 10 in \([\mathrm{H}^+]\), the total change in acidity is \$10^{\Delta \mathrm{pH}} = 10^3$.
Interpret this result to conclude that the solution with pH 6 is \$10^3\( times more acidic (in terms of \)[\mathrm{H}^+]$ concentration) than the solution with pH 9.
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