1. Which of the following is TRUE regarding this situation: Solution A has a pH of 7.38, and Solution B has a pH of 7.42?

a.Solution B is more acidic than Solution A
b.The pH of Solution A falls within the homeostatic pH range for extracellular body fluids, but the pH of Solution B does not.
c.Solution A contains a higher concentration of hydrogen ions than Solution B.
d.Solution A has a neutral pH

B. The pH of Solution A falls within the homeostatic pH range for extracellular body fluids, but the pH of Solution B does not.

To determine which of the options is true, we need to understand the concept of pH and its relationship to acidity.

pH is a scale that measures the acidity or basicity (alkalinity) of a solution. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 indicates acidity, while a pH above 7 indicates basicity.

In this situation, Solution A has a pH of 7.38, which is slightly acidic but very close to neutral. Solution B has a pH of 7.42, which is also slightly acidic but slightly higher than Solution A.

Now let's analyze the options:

a. Solution B is more acidic than Solution A - This is not true because both solutions are slightly acidic, and Solution B's pH value is just slightly higher than Solution A's.

b. The pH of Solution A falls within the homeostatic pH range for extracellular body fluids, but the pH of Solution B does not - Without knowing the specific homeostatic pH range for extracellular body fluids, we cannot determine if either Solution A or Solution B falls within that range. Therefore, this option could be true or false depending on the specific pH range.

c. Solution A contains a higher concentration of hydrogen ions than Solution B - This is not true. The concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution determines its acidity, and since both solutions are slightly acidic, the difference in pH does not indicate a difference in hydrogen ion concentration.

d. Solution A has a neutral pH - This is not true. Although Solution A is very close to neutral, its pH value of 7.38 categorizes it as slightly acidic.

Based on the explanations, the option that is TRUE regarding this situation is:

b. The pH of Solution A falls within the homeostatic pH range for extracellular body fluids, but the pH of Solution B does not - If the homeostatic pH range for extracellular body fluids is specified and Solution A falls within that range, while Solution B does not, then this option is true.

The correct answer is b. The pH of Solution A falls within the homeostatic pH range for extracellular body fluids, but the pH of Solution B does not.