When comparing two brines, one with a pH of 8 and the other with a pH of 10, how much greater is the alkalinity of the brine with pH 10?

The correct answer is based on the logarithmic nature of the pH scale, which is a measurement of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution. A pH of 8 indicates a higher concentration of hydrogen ions compared to a pH of 10.

Each whole number change on the pH scale represents a tenfold change in acidity or alkalinity. Therefore, moving from a pH of 8 to a pH of 9 signifies a tenfold increase in alkalinity, and moving from a pH of 9 to a pH of 10 represents another tenfold increase. When you combine these two changes, the total increase in alkalinity when comparing a brine with pH 8 to one with pH 10 is a hundredfold (10 times 10).

Consequently, the brine with pH 10 has an alkalinity that is 100 times greater than that of the brine with pH 8, making this the correct answer. Understanding the logarithmic scale of pH is crucial in determining the relative differences in acidity or alkalinity between solutions.