In an acidic solution, pH is [tex]$\qquad$[/tex] and [tex]$H_3O^{+}$[/tex] is [tex]$\qquad$[/tex]

Select one:
A. [tex]$\ \textless \ 7, \ \textgreater \ 1 \times 10^{-7} M$[/tex]
B. [tex]$\left\langle 7, \ \textgreater \ 1 \times 10^{-7} M \right.$[/tex]
C. [tex]$=7, 1 \times 10^{-7} M$[/tex]
D. [tex]$\ \textgreater \ 7, \ \textless \ 1 \times 10^{-7} M$[/tex]



Answer :

Let's analyze the given question step-by-step to understand the conditions for an acidic solution.

1. Definition of an Acidic Solution:
- An acidic solution has a pH less than 7.

2. Relationship between pH and \([H_3O^+]\):
- The pH of a solution is given by the formula:
[tex]\[ \text{pH} = -\log[H_3O^+] \][/tex]
- In an acidic solution, since the pH is less than 7, the concentration of hydronium ions \([H_3O^+]\) must be greater than \(1 \times 10^{-7} \, M\).

Given these facts, let's match each option to these criteria:

A. \( \text{pH} < 7, [H_3O^+]<1 \times 10^{-7} \, M \):
- This option is incorrect because for a solution to be acidic (\( \text{pH} < 7 \)), \([H_3O^+]\) should actually be greater than \(1 \times 10^{-7} \, M\).

B. \( \text{pH} < 7, [H_3O^+]>1 \times 10^{-7} \, M \):
- This option is correct as it accurately represents the conditions of an acidic solution.

C. \( \text{pH} = 7, [H_3O^+] = 1 \times 10^{-7} \, M \):
- This option describes a neutral solution, not an acidic one.

D. \( \text{pH} > 7, [H_3O^+] < 1 \times 10^{-7} \, M \):
- This option describes a basic solution, not an acidic one.

Hence, the correct option that fits the criteria for an acidic solution is:

B. [tex]\( \text{pH} < 7, [H_3O^+] > 1 \times 10^{-7} \, M \)[/tex]