Chapter 18: Problem 55
In terms of ion concentrations, distinguish between acidic, neutral, and basic solutions.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Acidic solutions have more 14{H^+}15 ions, neutral solutions have equal 14{H^+}15 and 14{OH^-}15 ions, and basic solutions have more 14{OH^-}15 ions.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Acids
Acids are substances that increase the concentration of hydrogen ions (14{H^+}15) when dissolved in water. This means that an acidic solution will have a higher concentration of 14{H^+}15 ions than hydroxide ions (14{OH^-}15). The pH of an acidic solution is less than 7.
02
Understanding Neutral Solutions
In a neutral solution, the concentration of hydrogen ions (14{H^+}15) equals the concentration of hydroxide ions (14{OH^-}15). This results in a pH of exactly 7, which is the case in pure water where neither 14{H^+}15 nor 14{OH^-}15 ions predominate.
03
Understanding Bases
Bases are substances that decrease the concentration of hydrogen ions (14{H^+}15) by increasing the concentration of hydroxide ions (14{OH^-}15) in a solution. Thus, in a basic solution, 14{OH^-}15 ion concentration is higher than 14{H^+}15 ion concentration, resulting in a pH greater than 7.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
pH scale
In the realm of acid-base chemistry, the pH scale is an essential tool used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 and is a logarithmic scale, which means each whole number pH change represents a tenfold change in hydrogen ion concentration.
- A pH less than 7 indicates that the solution is acidic.
- A pH of exactly 7 describes a neutral solution.
- A pH greater than 7 shows that the solution is basic (or alkaline).
hydrogen ions (H+)
Hydrogen ions, abbreviated as H+, play a crucial role in determining the acidity of a solution. These ions form when an acid dissolves in water, releasing H+ ions into the solution. The more hydrogen ions present, the more acidic the solution becomes.
Moreover, the concentration of H+ ions is inversely related to the pH value. As the concentration of hydrogen ions increases, the pH decreases, indicating increasing acidity.
To put it simply:
Moreover, the concentration of H+ ions is inversely related to the pH value. As the concentration of hydrogen ions increases, the pH decreases, indicating increasing acidity.
To put it simply:
- A high concentration of H+ ions usually means an acidic solution with a low pH (below 7).
- Conversely, a lower concentration of H+ ions leads to a higher pH, identifying either a neutral or basic solution.
hydroxide ions (OH-)
Hydroxide ions, denoted as OH-, are fundamental to the basicity of a solution. When a base dissolves in water, it either releases hydroxide ions directly or increases their concentration.
The presence of a large number of OH- ions signifies a solution's basic nature. The concentration of OH- ions directly corresponds to the pH level, with higher concentrations leading to higher pH values.
Key points include:
The presence of a large number of OH- ions signifies a solution's basic nature. The concentration of OH- ions directly corresponds to the pH level, with higher concentrations leading to higher pH values.
Key points include:
- An abundance of OH- ions results in a basic (or alkaline) solution, which has a pH greater than 7.
- Fewer OH- ions imply a less basic and perhaps even acidic solution entirely based on H+ concentration.
neutral solutions
Neutral solutions are perfectly balanced in terms of ion concentration. This means that in a neutral solution, the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) is equal to the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-).
For a solution to maintain neutrality, it must have a pH of 7, like pure water. In such solutions, neither H+ nor OH- ions predominate enough to alter the equilibrium visibly.
Key aspects of neutral solutions include:
For a solution to maintain neutrality, it must have a pH of 7, like pure water. In such solutions, neither H+ nor OH- ions predominate enough to alter the equilibrium visibly.
Key aspects of neutral solutions include:
- The state of equilibrium in neutral solutions is where there is no net charge due to ion concentrations.
- A neutral pH of 7 is crucial for many natural and biological processes where balanced condition is necessary.