What happens to the pH of a solution when a Bronsted-Lowry acid is added?

What happens to the pH of a solution when a Bronsted-Lowry acid is added?

• A. The pH increases
• B. The pH remains the same
• C. The pH decreases
• D. The pH fluctuates dramatically

Answer: (C)

When a Bronsted-Lowry acid is added to a solution, it donates protons (H⁺ ions) to the solution. This increase in hydrogen ion concentration causes the pH of the solution to decrease. The pH scale measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, and as more H⁺ ions are introduced, the solution becomes more acidic, resulting in a lower pH value. This process directly impacts the acidity of the solution, leading to a clearer understanding of acid-base chemistry under Bronsted-Lowry theory. Therefore, when a Bronsted-Lowry acid is introduced, the expected outcome is a decrease in the pH.

When a Bronsted-Lowry acid is added to a solution, it donates protons (H⁺ ions) to the solution. This increase in hydrogen ion concentration causes the pH of the solution to decrease. The pH scale measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, and as more H⁺ ions are introduced, the solution becomes more acidic, resulting in a lower pH value.

This process directly impacts the acidity of the solution, leading to a clearer understanding of acid-base chemistry under Bronsted-Lowry theory. Therefore, when a Bronsted-Lowry acid is introduced, the expected outcome is a decrease in the pH.