Question

The pH scale measures

a. the amount of water in a solution.
b. the likelihood that a solution will evaporate.
c. the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.
d. the number of atoms found within a molecule.

Answer 1

The pH scale measures the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A change of one unit on the scale represents a tenfold difference in H+ concentration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pH scale measures the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution. It is a logarithmic scale that ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being considered neutral. pH values below 7 indicate acidity, while values above 7 indicate basicity. A change of one unit on the pH scale represents a tenfold difference in hydrogen ion concentration.

For example, if the pH of a solution is 6, the concentration of hydrogen ions is 10 times greater than a solution with a pH of 7. Similarly, a solution with a pH of 4 is 100 times more acidic than a solution with a pH of 6.

The pH scale is important in various fields, including chemistry, biology, and environmental science. It is used to measure and monitor the acidity or alkalinity of substances, such as soils, water, and blood. Understanding pH helps scientists and researchers make predictions and analyze chemical reactions.