An unknown substance is added to a solution and the pH decreases.The substance is best described as a(n)
A)acid.
B)base.
C)salt.
D)solvent.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When an unknown substance is added to a solution with a decrease in pH, it is indicative of the substance being an acid. Acids are known to increase hydrogen ion (H+) concentration in a solution, leading to a decrease in pH. Bases, on the other hand, tend to increase the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) and thus increase the pH of a solution. Salts do not affect the pH of a solution in any significant manner, and a solvent is a substance that dissolves another substance, but it does not cause a change in pH.

An Unknown Substance Is Added to a Solution and the PH