Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Hydrogen ions, represented as H+, are positively charged particles that are formed when a hydrogen atom loses its electron. They play a crucial role in determining the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
Precipitation that has an unusually high concentration of hydrogen ions, resulting in increased acidity. It can have harmful effects on ecosystems and infrastructure.
Buffer: A substance or combination of substances that helps maintain the pH stability of a solution by resisting changes in acidity or alkalinity.