Question

as hydrogen ion concentration increases, the ph number ________. multiple choice increases becomes negative decreases stays the same

Explanation:

The pH of a solution is defined as $pH = -\log_{10}[H^+]$, where $[H^+]$ is the hydrogen ion concentration. As $[H^+]$ increases, the value of $-\log_{10}[H^+]$ decreases because the logarithm of a larger number is larger, and the negative sign flips the relationship. For example, if $[H^+]$ goes from $10^{-7}$ (pH 7) to $10^{-6}$ (pH 6), the pH decreases. It does not typically become negative in most common solutions (though extremely acidic solutions can have negative pH, but that's not the general trend here) and it doesn't stay the same or increase as $[H^+]$ increases. So the correct choice is the one where pH decreases.

Answer:

C. decreases (assuming the options are labeled A: increases, B: becomes negative, C: decreases, D: stays the same)