Question

A sample of vinegar has a pH of 5, and a sample of rainwater has a pH of 6. Which of the following statements best describes these two substances?
A. Both samples are bases, and vinegar is more basic.
B. Both samples are acids, and vinegar is more acidic.
C. Both samples are bases, and rainwater is more basic.
D. Both samples are acids, and rainwater is more acidic.

Answer 1

Answer: The correct answer is option B.

Explanation:

pH is defined as negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration. It is basically defined as the power of hydrogen ions in a solution. It ranges to the scale of 1-14. The solutions are divided into 3 categories on the basis of the pH range:

1. If the pH of the solution ranges from 1 to 6.9, the solution is said to be acidic. Less the pH, more the acidity of the solution.
2. If the pH of the solution ranges from 7.1 to 14, the solution is said to be basic. More the pH, more the acidity of the solution.
3. If the pH of the solution is 7, the solution is said to be a neutral solution.

We are given:

pH of vinegar = 5

pH of rainwater = 6

As, the pH of both the solutions is less than 7. Thus, both the solutions are acidic in nature and also pH of vinegar is less, so this solution will be more acidic in nature.

Hence, the correct answer is Option B.

Answer 2

Statement B correctly describes the situation.