What is the effect of a high concentration of hydrogen atoms in a solution?

A high concentration of hydrogen atoms in a solution indicates an increased number of hydrogen ions (H⁺). pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution, specifically defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. As the concentration of hydrogen ions increases, the pH of the solution decreases, making it more acidic.

When the pH is lower than 7, the solution is considered acidic. Therefore, in a solution where there is a high concentration of hydrogen atoms, the effect is to lower the pH. This is fundamental in understanding acid-base chemistry, where the presence of excessive hydrogen ions directly correlates with a decrease in pH values, confirming the acidity of the solution.