Final answer:
A solution with a pH of 3 is classified as acidic, as it is below the neutral pH of 7 on the pH scale. This scale is logarithmic, indicating that a pH of 3 represents a solution that is significantly more acidic than a solution with a pH of 4.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a solution has a pH of 3, it would be classified as acidic. The pH scale is used to describe the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH value of 7 is considered neutral. Any pH value below 7 is deemed acidic, and values above 7 are considered basic or alkaline. Since the pH of 3 is less than 7, the solution is on the acidic side of the scale and it indicates that the solution has a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (H+).
It is important to understand that the pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole pH value below 7 is ten times more acidic than the next higher value. For example, a solution with a pH of 3 is ten times more acidic than one with a pH of 4. This concept is crucial when studying the relative acidity or basicity of different solutions.