Question

select the correct answer?
the ph scale measures the acidity of a liquid as a function of its hydrogen ion (\\(\text{h}^+\\)) concentration.
\\(\text{ph} = -\log \text{h}^+\\)
a chemist needs to prepare a solution with a ph of 3. what \\(\text{h}^+\\) concentration should the solution have?
\\(\circ\\) a. \\(0.001\\)
\\(\circ\\) b. \\(1.000\\)
\\(\circ\\) c. \\(0.01\\)
\\(\circ\\) d. \\(100\\)

Explanation:

Step1: Start with the pH formula

We know the formula for pH is \( \text{pH} = -\log [\text{H}^+] \). We are given that the pH is 3, so we substitute that into the formula: \( 3 = -\log [\text{H}^+] \).

Step2: Solve for \( [\text{H}^+] \)

First, multiply both sides by -1 to get \( -3 = \log [\text{H}^+] \). Since \( \log \) here is base 10 (common logarithm), we can rewrite this in exponential form. Recall that if \( \log_{10} x = y \), then \( x = 10^y \). So, \( [\text{H}^+] = 10^{-3} \).

Step3: Calculate \( 10^{-3} \)

\( 10^{-3} = \frac{1}{10^3} = \frac{1}{1000} = 0.001 \).

Answer:

A. 0.001