An acid is a substance that, when placed in solution, does what to the hydrogen ion concentration?
Adecreases it
Bhas no effect on it
Cconverts all of it to hydroxide ions
Dincreases it
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. increases it
1. Acids and bases are defined in terms of their opposite effects on hydrogen ion concentration in solution.
2. The text states: "An acid is a substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution, usually by having one of its hydrogen atoms dissociate."
3. A base does the opposite -- it lowers H+ concentration, whether directly or by supplying hydroxide ions that combine with H+.
4. So by definition, an acid raises the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution.
_Source: OpenStax Biology Ch 2 "The Chemical Foundation of Life", p.51 §2.2 | Water_
Keep practising The Chemical Foundation of Life
Browse all The Chemical Foundation of Life questions for NPCIL Trainee, or explore more Biology topics.
Related questions
True or false: atoms and isotopesComplete the shell rulesWhich half-life is longer?Match each term to its meaningCount the particlesSort the subatomic particlesA carbon atom, with an atomic number of six, typically forms how many covalent bonds in orThe pH scale is an inverse logarithmic scale. What is its full range?