Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

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What is the result of increased acidity in a solution?

Increased concentration of [-OH]
Increased concentration of [H+]
No change in pH
Increased stability of hydrocarbons

The correct answer is: Increased concentration of [H+]

Increased acidity in a solution directly correlates with a greater concentration of hydrogen ions, denoted as [H+]. When an acid dissociates in solution, it releases protons, which raises the [H+] levels. This results in a lower pH since pH is mathematically defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration (pH = -log[H+]). As acid levels rise, the solution becomes more acidic, indicated by a decrease in pH values. This enhanced concentration of hydrogen ions is responsible for the characteristic properties of acids, such as increased reactivity with bases and certain metals. Therefore, the assertion that increased acidity results in an increased concentration of hydrogen ions accurately reflects the behavior of acids in aqueous solutions.