What does an increase of 1 pH number represent?A.A decrease of 1 mole per liter of hydrogen ionsB.A decrease in hydrogen ion concentration by a factor of 10C.An increase in hydrogen ion concentration by a factor of 10D.An increase of 1 mole per liter of hydrogen ionsSUBMITarrow_backPREVIOUS

To answer the question, we need to understand the pH scale and its relationship with hydrogen ion concentration.

1. The pH scale is a logarithmic scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution.
2. The pH is defined as the negative logarithm (base 10) of the hydrogen ion concentration: pH = -log[H+].
3. Therefore, a change of 1 pH unit corresponds to a tenfold change in the hydrogen ion concentration.

Now, let's analyze each option:

A. A decrease of 1 mole per liter of hydrogen ions: This is incorrect because the pH scale is logarithmic, not linear.

B. A decrease in hydrogen ion concentration by a factor of 10: This is correct. An increase of 1 pH number means the hydrogen ion concentration decreases by a factor of 10.

C. An increase in hydrogen ion concentration by a factor of 10: This is incorrect. An increase in pH means a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration.

D. An increase of 1 mole per liter of hydrogen ions: This is incorrect for the same reason as option A.

Therefore, the correct answer is:

B. A decrease in hydrogen ion concentration by a factor of 10.