Question

based on the definition of logarithms, what is the difference in hydrogen ion concentration between a substance with a ph of 2 and a substance with a ph of 3?
a substance with a ph of 2 has a 10 times higher concentration of h⁺ than a substance with a ph of 3.
a substance with a ph of 3 has a 10 times higher concentration of h⁺ than a substance with a ph of 2.
a substance with a ph of 2 has a 100 times higher concentration of h⁺ ions than a substance with a ph of 3.
a substance with a ph of 3 has a 100 times higher concentration of h⁺ ions than a substance with a ph of 2.

Explanation:

The formula for pH is \( \text{pH} = -\log_{10}[\text{H}^+] \), where \( [\text{H}^+] \) is the hydrogen ion concentration. For a substance with pH = 2, \( 2 = -\log_{10}[\text{H}^+_1] \), so \( [\text{H}^+_1] = 10^{-2} \). For pH = 3, \( 3 = -\log_{10}[\text{H}^+_2] \), so \( [\text{H}^+_2] = 10^{-3} \). To find the ratio of the concentrations, we calculate \( \frac{[\text{H}^+_1]}{[\text{H}^+_2]}=\frac{10^{-2}}{10^{-3}} = 10 \). This shows that the substance with pH 2 has a 10 - times higher \( H^+ \) concentration than the one with pH 3.

Answer:

A. A substance with a pH of 2 has a 10 times higher concentration of \( H^+ \) than a substance with a pH of 3.