Question

Of the following liquids, which one contains the lowest concentration of [H+] ions?

A) Lemon Juice (pH = 2.3)
B) Blood (pH = 7.4)
C) Seawater (pH =8.5)
D) Coffee (pH = 5.1)

Answer 1

Seawater, with a pH of 8.5, has the lowest concentration of [H+] ions among the given options because it has the highest pH value, making it the least acidic (more alkaline) solution.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which liquid has the lowest concentration of [H+] ions, we must understand the pH scale, which measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14: a pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, a pH of 7 is neutral (like pure water), and a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic or alkaline solution. The concentration of hydrogen ions is inversely related to the pH value; a lower pH means a higher concentration of hydrogen ions.

From the options provided:

• 
  
• Lemon Juice (pH = 2.3) is acidic
• 
  
• Blood (pH = 7.4) is slightly alkaline
• 
  
• Seawater (pH = 8.5) is more alkaline
• 
  
• Coffee (pH = 5.1) is acidic

Comparing these pH values, we can determine that Seawater (pH = 8.5) is the least acidic and therefore has the lowest concentration of [H+] ions among the options given.