Which of the following is correct regarding the pH scale?
A. A substance with a pH of 3 is two times more alkaline than a substance with a pH of 4
B. A substance with a pH of 3 is two times more acidic than a substance with a pH of 4
C. A substance with a pH of 3 is 10 times more acidic than a substance with a pH of 4
D. A substance with a pH of 3 is 10 times more alkaline than a substance with a pH of 4
The pH scale is a logarithmic scale that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
A solution with a pH of 7 is neutral, while a solution with a pH less than 7 is acidic and a solution with a pH greater than 7 is alkaline.
Because the pH scale is logarithmic, each whole number change in pH represents a tenfold change in acidity or alkalinity.
Therefore, a substance with a pH of 3 is 10 times more acidic than a substance with a pH of 4.
Choice A.
A substance with a pH of 3 is two times more alkaline than a substance with a pH of 4 is not correct because it incorrectly states that the substance with a lower pH is more alkaline and also incorrectly states the magnitude of the difference in acidity or alkalinity.
Choice B.
A substance with a pH of 3 is two times more acidic than a substance with a pH of 4 is not correct because it correctly states that the substance with a lower pH is more acidic but incorrectly states the magnitude of the difference in acidity.
Choice D.
A substance with a pH of 3 is 10 times more alkaline than a substance with a pH of 4 is not correct because it incorrectly states that the substance with a lower pH is more alkaline.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is C.