Which of the following statements correctly describes the pH scale?

• A. The pH scale indicates the temperature of a solution, with higher values representing higher temperatures.
• B. The pH scale measures the concentration of sodium ions in a solution, ranging from 0 to 10.
• C. The pH scale is used to measure the amount of dissolved oxygen in water.
• D. The pH scale measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most basic).

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the pH scale is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution, which is directly related to the concentration of hydrogen ions (H\textsuperscript{+}) in that solution.
2. Recall the definition of pH: it is calculated using the formula \(\mathrm{pH} = -\log_{10}[\mathrm{H}^+]\), where \([\mathrm{H}^+]\) is the molar concentration of hydrogen ions.
3. Recognize that the pH scale typically ranges from 0 to 14, where a pH of 7 is neutral, values less than 7 indicate acidic solutions (higher H\textsuperscript{+} concentration), and values greater than 7 indicate basic or alkaline solutions (lower H\textsuperscript{+} concentration).
4. Note that the pH scale does not measure temperature, sodium ion concentration, or dissolved oxygen; it specifically measures hydrogen ion concentration.
5. Therefore, the correct description of the pH scale is that it measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, with values ranging from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most basic).