Which term describes a compound that dissolves in water to form a solution with a pH less than 7?

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Study for the Grade 9 Environmental Chemistry Test. Use a blend of multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Master key concepts and prepare effectively!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes a compound that dissolves in water to form a solution with a pH less than 7?

Explanation:
At this level, think about what pH tells you: a solution with pH below 7 is acidic. Acids are substances that, when dissolved in water, increase the concentration of hydronium ions (H3O+). That’s why they produce a solution that is acidic. For example, dissolving an acid like hydrochloric acid in water releases H+ ions, lowering the pH. Bases, in contrast, raise pH by increasing hydroxide ions (OH−) or by accepting H+; they make the solution less acidic or even basic. Neutral means a pH around 7, which is neither acidic nor basic. Saline refers to dissolved salts, which don’t inherently define a solution as acidic. So, the term that describes a compound dissolving in water to form a solution with pH less than 7 is an acid.

At this level, think about what pH tells you: a solution with pH below 7 is acidic. Acids are substances that, when dissolved in water, increase the concentration of hydronium ions (H3O+). That’s why they produce a solution that is acidic. For example, dissolving an acid like hydrochloric acid in water releases H+ ions, lowering the pH.

Bases, in contrast, raise pH by increasing hydroxide ions (OH−) or by accepting H+; they make the solution less acidic or even basic. Neutral means a pH around 7, which is neither acidic nor basic. Saline refers to dissolved salts, which don’t inherently define a solution as acidic.

So, the term that describes a compound dissolving in water to form a solution with pH less than 7 is an acid.

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