What type of solution is produced by adding an acid to water?

When an acid is added to water, it dissociates and releases hydrogen ions (H⁺) into the solution. This increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions is what results in an acidic solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with values below 7 indicating acidity. Therefore, the presence of free hydrogen ions from the acid lowers the pH of the solution, confirming that the solution is acidic.

In contrast, a neutral solution would contain equal concentrations of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, resulting in a pH of 7, which is not the case when an acid is introduced. A basic solution, on the other hand, would occur if a base was added, increasing hydroxide ions and raising the pH above 7. An inert solution refers to a mixture where reactions do not occur, which does not apply when an acid dissolves in water and actively alters the solution's properties.