Open Question
Match each H+ concentration to its corresponding OH– concentration in aqueous solution.
17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
The pH Scale
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Which of the following equations correctly represents the relationship between pH and hydronium ion concentration [H3O+]?
A
pH = log10 [H3O+]
B
pH = -log10 [H3O+]
C
pH = 10^(-[H3O+])
D
pH = [H3O+]^(-10)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that pH is a measure of the acidity of a solution, which is related to the concentration of hydronium ions, [H3O+].
Recall the definition of pH: it is the negative logarithm (base 10) of the hydronium ion concentration. This is mathematically expressed as \( \text{pH} = -\log_{10} [\text{H}_3\text{O}^+] \).
Evaluate the given options to identify which one matches the definition of pH. The correct expression should involve the negative logarithm of [H3O+].
Option 1, \( \text{pH} = \log_{10} [\text{H}_3\text{O}^+] \), is incorrect because it lacks the negative sign.
Option 2, \( \text{pH} = -\log_{10} [\text{H}_3\text{O}^+] \), correctly represents the relationship between pH and [H3O+].
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