35. Which of the following statements correctly describes a solution with a pH of 10?
Answer: D
The solution has a hydrogen ion concentration of 10^-10 M.
A solution with a pH of 10 indicates that it is basic, and the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) is 10^-10 M, as pH is calculated using the formula pH = -log[H⁺].
A) The solution has a hydroxide ion concentration of 10^-4 M.
This statement is incorrect because a pH of 10 corresponds to a hydroxide ion concentration of 10^-4 M, not the other way around. The relationship between hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions in a solution can be summarized by the equation [H⁺][OH⁻] = 10^-14, which shows that if [H⁺] is 10^-10 M, [OH⁻] would be 10^-4 M.
B) The solution is neutral.
This is incorrect. A neutral solution has a pH of 7, which means it has equal concentrations of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. A pH of 10 indicates a basic solution, where the hydrogen ion concentration is significantly lower than that of a neutral solution.
C) The solution is a weak acid.
This statement is also incorrect. A weak acid would typically have a pH less than 7, indicating a higher concentration of hydrogen ions. A solution with a pH of 10 is basic and therefore cannot be classified as a weak acid.
D) The solution has a hydrogen ion concentration of 10^-10 M.
This statement is accurate. At a pH of 10, the concentration of hydrogen ions is indeed 10^-10 M, which directly correlates with the definition of pH.
Conclusion
The correct answer, D, is definitive because it accurately reflects the mathematical relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration. All other options fail as they either misrepresent the nature of the solution's acidity or provide incorrect values related to hydroxide and hydrogen ion concentrations.