The pH scale is a mathematical indicator of the:

• A. amount of dissolved salts in a solution
• B. temperature of a solution
• C. rate of chemical reactions in a solution
• D. concentration of hydrogen ions (H^+) in a solution

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the pH scale is used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution, which is directly related to the concentration of hydrogen ions (H\^+) present.
2. Recall the definition of pH, which is given by the formula: \(\mathrm{pH} = -\log_{10}[\mathrm{H}^+]\), where \([\mathrm{H}^+]\) is the molar concentration of hydrogen ions.
3. Recognize that a lower pH value indicates a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (more acidic), while a higher pH value indicates a lower concentration of hydrogen ions (more basic or alkaline).
4. Note that the pH scale does not measure the amount of dissolved salts, temperature, or rate of chemical reactions, but specifically the hydrogen ion concentration.
5. Conclude that the correct interpretation of the pH scale is that it is a mathematical indicator of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H\^+) in a solution.