What characterizes an acidic solution?

An acidic solution is characterized by low pH values, typically below 7. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where lower values indicate higher concentrations of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the solution. In an acidic environment, the concentration of H⁺ ions increases, resulting in a decrease in pH. This is because pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration ([H⁺]), meaning that as the amount of H⁺ increases, the pH value decreases.

When a solution has a pH of 7, it is considered neutral (like pure water), which means it has an equal concentration of H⁺ and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). Thus, options representing high pH values, low hydrogen ion concentrations, or neutral pH values do not meet the criteria for acidity and correctly identify the characteristics of an acidic solution.