Step 1: Understanding the pH scale.
pH is the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration:
\[
\text{pH} = -\log[H^+]
\]
A change in pH by 3 units corresponds to a change in the H\(^+\) ion concentration by a factor of 1000.
Step 2: Explanation of the options.
- (1) Reduced to half: Incorrect, as pH change of 3 units changes the concentration by a factor of 1000.
- (2) Doubled: Incorrect, pH change does not double the concentration.
- (3) Reduced by 1000 times: Correct. An increase of 3 pH units corresponds to a 1000 times reduction in H\(^+\) ion concentration.
- (4) Increased by 1000 times: Incorrect, as the concentration decreases by 1000 times.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (3) Reduced by 1000 times.