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Multiple Choice
In a neutral solution, the concentration of __________. a) Hydrogen ions is less than the concentration of hydroxide ions. b) Water molecules is less than the concentration of hydroxide ions. c) Hydrogen ions is greater than the concentration of hydroxide ions. d) Hydrogen ions is equal to the concentration of hydroxide ions.
A
Hydrogen ions is less than the concentration of hydroxide ions.
B
Water molecules is less than the concentration of hydroxide ions.
C
Hydrogen ions is greater than the concentration of hydroxide ions.
D
Hydrogen ions is equal to the concentration of hydroxide ions.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a neutral solution: A neutral solution is one where the pH is 7, indicating that the solution is neither acidic nor basic.
Recall the definition of pH: pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution. A pH of 7 means that the solution has equal concentrations of hydrogen ions (H⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
Apply the concept of water dissociation: In pure water, a small number of water molecules dissociate into hydrogen ions (H⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The equation for this dissociation is:
Recognize the equilibrium condition: In a neutral solution, the concentrations of H⁺ and OH⁻ are equal because the dissociation of water is at equilibrium. This is represented by the equation: [H⁺] = [OH⁻].
Conclude with the correct statement: In a neutral solution, the concentration of hydrogen ions is equal to the concentration of hydroxide ions, which is why the solution is neither acidic nor basic.