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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is true regarding the pH of strong bases KOH and Ca(OH)2 given their respective pH values of 11.89 and 11.68?
A
The pH values indicate that both solutions are neutral.
B
Ca(OH)2 has a higher concentration than KOH.
C
KOH has a higher concentration than Ca(OH)2.
D
Both KOH and Ca(OH)2 have the same concentration.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution. The lower the pH, the higher the concentration of hydrogen ions, and vice versa.
Recognize that strong bases like KOH and Ca(OH)2 dissociate completely in water, releasing hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The pH of a solution is related to the concentration of these hydroxide ions.
Recall that the pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where a pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is basic. Therefore, a pH of 11.89 and 11.68 indicates basic solutions, not neutral.
Compare the pH values: KOH has a pH of 11.89, which is higher than the pH of 11.68 for Ca(OH)2. A higher pH indicates a lower concentration of hydrogen ions and a higher concentration of hydroxide ions.
Conclude that since KOH has a higher pH than Ca(OH)2, it must have a higher concentration of hydroxide ions, meaning KOH has a higher concentration than Ca(OH)2.