Which term describes a substance that increases the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution (pH < 7)?

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Multiple Choice

Which term describes a substance that increases the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution (pH < 7)?

Explanation:
Increasing hydrogen ion concentration makes a solution acidic. Acids dissociate in water to release hydrogen ions (often as hydronium, H3O+). As more H+ ions appear, the pH decreases below 7. So the term that describes a substance that increases hydrogen ion concentration is an acid. An alkali (a base) increases hydroxide ions (OH−) and raises pH, not H+ concentration. The solvent is the medium and doesn’t inherently increase hydrogen ions. Some salts can affect pH depending on their ions, but they aren’t defined by increasing hydrogen ion concentration.

Increasing hydrogen ion concentration makes a solution acidic. Acids dissociate in water to release hydrogen ions (often as hydronium, H3O+). As more H+ ions appear, the pH decreases below 7. So the term that describes a substance that increases hydrogen ion concentration is an acid. An alkali (a base) increases hydroxide ions (OH−) and raises pH, not H+ concentration. The solvent is the medium and doesn’t inherently increase hydrogen ions. Some salts can affect pH depending on their ions, but they aren’t defined by increasing hydrogen ion concentration.

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