Question

The pH of a solution measures the [H3O+] in the solution. If one solution has a pH of 4 and another solution has a pH of 3, how does the [H3O+] in the two solutions compare?

They are in a 1:1 ratio.
They are in a 1:10 ratio.
They are in a 1:100 ratio.
They are in a 1:1000 ratio.

Answer 1

pH is a logorithmic scale. so each whole unit multiplies by 10. so the answer is B 1:10

Answer 2

The correct answer is:'They are in a 1:10 ratio'.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pH of the solution is defined as negative logarithm of hydrogen ions concentration in a solution.

Mathematically written as:
`pH=-\log[H^+]`

The pH of solution-1 = 4

`4=-\log[H_3O^+]`

`[H_3O^+]=10^(-4) M`

The pH of solution-2 = 3

`3=-\log[H_3O^+]'`

`[H_3O^+]'=10^(-3) M`

The ratio of hydronium ion concentrations:

`([H_3O^+])/([H_3O^+]')=(10^(-4))/(10^(-3))=(1)/(10)`