Understanding pH and Hydronium Ions
* pH: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It's based on the concentration of hydronium ions (H₃O⁺).
* Hydronium ions (H₃O⁺): Formed when a hydrogen ion (H⁺) from an acid combines with a water molecule (H₂O).
The Relationship
The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number change in pH represents a tenfold change in hydronium ion concentration. The formula for calculating hydronium concentration is:
[H₃O⁺] = 10⁻pH
Calculation
1. Substitute the pH value: [H₃O⁺] = 10⁻³⁰
2. Calculate: [H₃O⁺] = 0.001 M (Molar)
Answer:
The hydronium concentration of acid rain at pH 3.0 is 0.001 M (or 1 x 10⁻³ M).
