pH 2 corresponds to which type of solution?

pH 2 corresponds to which type of solution?

• A. Strong acid
• B. Weak acid
• C. Neutral
• D. Weak alkali

Answer: (A)

pH shows how acidic a solution is by the hydrogen ion concentration. A pH of 2 means there is a relatively high [H+] (about 0.01 moles per liter). This high level of H+ comes from acids that dissociate completely in water, releasing all their hydrogen ions—these are strong acids. Weak acids only partly dissociate, so they produce fewer H+ at the same concentration and thus have a higher pH. Neutral solutions have pH 7, and alkalis are above 7. So pH 2 fits the description of a strong acid.

pH shows how acidic a solution is by the hydrogen ion concentration. A pH of 2 means there is a relatively high [H+] (about 0.01 moles per liter). This high level of H+ comes from acids that dissociate completely in water, releasing all their hydrogen ions—these are strong acids. Weak acids only partly dissociate, so they produce fewer H+ at the same concentration and thus have a higher pH. Neutral solutions have pH 7, and alkalis are above 7. So pH 2 fits the description of a strong acid.