Massachusetts Wastewater Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

Which pH is the highest hydrogen ion concentration?

2 times greater

6 times greater

7 times greater

10 times greater

The highest hydrogen ion concentration corresponds to the lowest pH value, as pH is a logarithmic scale reflecting the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. Each unit drop in pH represents a tenfold increase in hydrogen ion concentration. Therefore, if one pH is lower than another, it will have a higher hydrogen ion concentration.

In the context of this question, the explanation for selecting the option representing a "10 times greater" hydrogen ion concentration aligns with this principle. A decrease from a pH of 7 to a pH of 6 indicates a tenfold increase in hydrogen ion concentration. Similarly, a further decrease to a pH of 5 would yield another tenfold increase, bringing it to a total increase of 100 times from pH 7.

Thus, the choice that indicates an increase in hydrogen ion concentration by a factor of ten correctly describes the relationship of pH and hydrogen ions.

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