Question

Why is lower pH more acidic?

Answer 1

Because of the very definition of `pH`;

`pH` `=` `-log_10[H_3O^+]`

Explanation:

See this old answer.

Because of the way the `p` function is defined, we take the negative logarithm. Concentrated hydrochloric acid (36% w/w) is approx. `10*mol*L^-1`. Given the definition, `pH=-1` for this solution, because `log_(10)10=1`.

Remember, when I write `log_aB=c`, I ask to what power I raise the base `a` to get `B`, here `a^c=B`. Can you tell me the values of `log_(10)100`, `log_(10)1,000`, `log_(10)1,000,000`? The values are simple whole numbers.