Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.
A solution with a pH of 10 has more hydrogen ions than a solution with a pH of 2.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of pH: pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion (H⁺) concentration in a solution. The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each unit change represents a tenfold difference in H⁺ concentration. Lower pH values indicate higher H⁺ concentrations, while higher pH values indicate lower H⁺ concentrations.
2. Compare the pH values: A solution with a pH of 10 is basic, while a solution with a pH of 2 is highly acidic. This means the solution with a pH of 2 has a much higher concentration of hydrogen ions compared to the solution with a pH of 10.
3. Apply the logarithmic relationship: The difference in pH values (10 - 2 = 8) represents a difference of 10⁸ (100,000,000) times in hydrogen ion concentration. The solution with a pH of 2 has 10⁸ times more hydrogen ions than the solution with a pH of 10.
4. Evaluate the statement: The statement 'A solution with a pH of 10 has more hydrogen ions than a solution with a pH of 2' is false because the solution with a pH of 2 actually has significantly more hydrogen ions.
5. Correct the statement: The corrected statement would be 'A solution with a pH of 2 has more hydrogen ions than a solution with a pH of 10.'

Key Concepts

pH Scale

The pH scale measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, ranging from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, while values below 7 indicate acidity and values above 7 indicate alkalinity. Each whole number change on the pH scale represents a tenfold change in hydrogen ion concentration, meaning that lower pH values correspond to higher concentrations of hydrogen ions.

Hydrogen Ion Concentration

Hydrogen ion concentration is a key factor in determining the pH of a solution. A higher concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) results in a lower pH, indicating a more acidic solution. Conversely, a lower concentration of hydrogen ions corresponds to a higher pH, indicating a more basic or alkaline solution. Understanding this relationship is crucial for comparing the acidity of different solutions.

Acid-Base Properties

Acid-base properties refer to the characteristics that define substances as acids or bases based on their ability to donate or accept protons (H+ ions). Acids increase the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, while bases decrease it. This concept is fundamental in chemistry for predicting the behavior of substances in various reactions and understanding their interactions in solutions.