Question

a scientist performs an experiment to see if acids have an effect on the health of a particular type of plant. three sets of plants were treated with acidic solutions of known ph while the control set was treated with a solution of neutral ph 7. which is the best conclusion for this experiment? (high acid = low ph, ph of strong acid = 1 -2, water has a ph of 7)
(ph 2) – 10 dead
(ph 4) – 3 dead
(ph 6) – 1 dead
(ph 7) – 0 dead

acid has no effect on the health of this type of plant.
high acidity is helpful to this type of plant.
low acidity is harmful to this type of plant.
high acidity is harmful to this type of plant.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the data: At pH 2 (high acidity), 10 plants are dead. At pH 4, 3 are dead. At pH 6, 1 is dead. At pH 7 (neutral), 0 are dead.
2. Evaluate options:

• "Acid has no effect" is wrong as dead plants increase with acidity.
• "High acidity is helpful" is wrong (more dead at high acid).
• "Low acidity is harmful" is wrong (less dead at lower acid/pH 6 than higher acid).
• "High acidity is harmful" matches: as acidity (low pH) increases, more plants die.

Answer:

D. High acidity is harmful to this type of plant.