key term - Hydrogen ions (H+)

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.

Related terms

pH Scale:

A measurement scale used to indicate the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. It ranges from 0 (acidic) to 14 (alkaline), with 7 being neutral.

Acid Rain:

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.