Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
pH Scale
The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, while values below 7 indicate acidity and values above 7 indicate basicity. Each whole number change on the pH scale represents a tenfold change in hydrogen ion concentration, making it crucial for understanding the properties of various substances.
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Hydronium Ion Concentration
The concentration of hydronium ions ([H₃O⁺]) in a solution is directly related to its pH. A higher concentration of hydronium ions corresponds to a lower pH, indicating a more acidic solution. For example, a pH of 2.50 suggests a high concentration of hydronium ions, which is typical for strong acids like toilet bowl cleaners.
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Acidic, Neutral, or Basic
Substances can be classified as acidic, neutral, or basic based on their pH values. Acidic substances have a pH less than 7, neutral substances have a pH of 7, and basic substances have a pH greater than 7. Understanding this classification helps in predicting the behavior of substances in chemical reactions and their effects on the environment.
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