Question

The pH of a solution measures the [H3O+] in the solution. If one solution has a pH of 4 and another solution has a pH of 3, how does the [H3O+] in the two solutions compare?
They are in a 1:1 ratio.
They are in a 1:10 ratio.
They are in a 1:100 ratio.
They are in a 1:1000 ratio.

Answer 1

pH is a logorithmic scale. so each whole unit multiplies by 10. so the answer is B 1:10

Answer 2

Answer:

The correct answer is:'They are in a 1:10 ratio'.

Explanation:

The pH of the solution is defined as negative logarithm of hydrogen ions concentration in a solution.

Mathematically written as: $pH=-\log[H^+]$

The pH of solution-1 = 4

$4=-\log[H_3O^+]$

$[H_3O^+]=10^{-4} M$

The pH of solution-2 = 3

$3=-\log[H_3O^+]'$

$[H_3O^+]'=10^{-3} M$

The ratio of hydronium ion concentrations:

$\frac{[H_3O^+]}{[H_3O^+]'}=\frac{10^{-4}}{10^{-3}}=\frac{1}{10}$