Classify each of the following ions according to whether they react with water to give a neutral, acidic, or basic solution. (a) F-

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Step 1: Identify the ion. In this case, the ion is F-, which is the fluoride ion.

Step 2: Determine if the ion is a conjugate acid or a conjugate base. Since F- is the conjugate base of HF (hydrofluoric acid), it will react with water to form HF and OH-.

Step 3: Understand that the formation of OH- ions will increase the pH of the solution, making it basic.

Step 4: Therefore, F- reacts with water to give a basic solution.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Acid-Base Theory

Acid-base theory explains how substances can donate or accept protons (H+ ions). According to the Brønsted-Lowry theory, acids are proton donors, while bases are proton acceptors. This concept is crucial for understanding how ions interact with water to affect the pH of a solution.

Hydrolysis of Ions

Hydrolysis refers to the reaction of an ion with water, leading to the formation of an acid or base. For example, when fluoride ions (F-) react with water, they can accept a proton, forming HF, which is a weak acid. This process determines whether the resulting solution is acidic, basic, or neutral.

pH and Solution Classification

The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, with values below 7 indicating acidity, above 7 indicating basicity, and 7 being neutral. Understanding how ions like F- affect the concentration of H+ ions in solution is essential for classifying the resulting solution as acidic, basic, or neutral.

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