Question

which of the following ph values represents the greatest concentration of h+ ions?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the pH formula

The formula for pH is \(pH = -\log[H^+]\), where \([H^+]\) is the hydrogen ion concentration. Rearranging gives \([H^+]=10^{-pH}\).

Step2: Analyze the relationship between pH and \([H^+]\)

As pH decreases, the value of \(10^{-pH}\) (i.e., \([H^+]\)) increases. For example, if \(pH = 1\), then \([H^+]=10^{-1}=0.1\) M; if \(pH = 3\), \([H^+]=10^{-3}=0.001\) M; if \(pH = 6\), \([H^+]=10^{-6}=1\times10^{-6}\) M; if \(pH = 9\), \([H^+]=10^{-9}=1\times 10^{-9}\) M.

Answer:

The pH value of \(1\) represents the greatest concentration of \(H^+\) ions.