How can you determine the concentration of hydrogen ions from pH?

Prepare for the NCEA Level 3 Chemistry – Aqueous Chemistry (AS91393) Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Excel on your exam!

To determine the concentration of hydrogen ions from pH, the correct relationship is given by [H⁺] = 10^(-pH). The pH scale is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution, specifically:

pH = -log[H⁺]

From this equation, if we rearrange it to express the concentration of hydrogen ions in terms of pH, we take the inverse logarithm, which gives us:

[H⁺] = 10^(-pH)

This means that as the pH value decreases (indicating a more acidic solution), the concentration of hydrogen ions increases, which aligns with the understanding of acids and bases in chemistry.

The other options suggest incorrect mathematical relationships either through logarithmic or exponential manipulation. These would not yield the correct relationship for calculating hydrogen ion concentration from pH. The correct formula not only adheres to the definition of pH but also reflects the logarithmic nature of acid-base chemistry.

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