Understanding pH and Hydrogen Ions
* pH: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Lower pH values indicate higher acidity (more hydrogen ions).
* Hydrogen Ions (H+): These ions are responsible for the acidity of a solution.
The Relationship
The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number change in pH represents a tenfold difference in hydrogen ion concentration.
Calculation
1. Difference in pH: The difference in pH between 3 and 5 is 2.
2. Concentration Difference: Since each whole number change in pH is a tenfold difference, a 2-unit difference means the solution with pH 3 is 100 times more concentrated in hydrogen ions than the solution with pH 5 (10 x 10 = 100).
Therefore, the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution with a pH of 3 is 100 times higher than that of a solution with a pH of 5.
