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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about aqueous solutions is/are true?
A
For an basic solution the concentration of H3O+ is greater than the concentration of OH-.
B
The pH of a neutral aqueous solution is 7.00 at all temperatures.
C
An acidic solution under normal conditions has a pH value less than 7.00.
D
If the concentration of H3O+ decreases then the concentration of OH- will also decrease.
E
The pH of aqueous solutions is less than 7.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of pH and its relation to H3O+ and OH- concentrations. pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution. It is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration: pH = -log([H3O+]).
Step 2: Recall the pH scale: A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, a pH of 7 indicates a neutral solution, and a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution.
Step 3: Analyze the statement about basic solutions: In a basic solution, the concentration of OH- is greater than the concentration of H3O+. Therefore, the statement 'For a basic solution the concentration of H3O+ is greater than the concentration of OH-' is false.
Step 4: Consider the effect of temperature on pH: The pH of a neutral aqueous solution is 7.00 at 25°C. However, pH can vary with temperature, so the statement 'The pH of a neutral aqueous solution is 7.00 at all temperatures' is false.
Step 5: Evaluate the relationship between H3O+ and OH- concentrations: In water, the product of the concentrations of H3O+ and OH- is constant at a given temperature (Kw = [H3O+][OH-]). If the concentration of H3O+ decreases, the concentration of OH- must increase to maintain this constant, making the statement 'If the concentration of H3O+ decreases then the concentration of OH- will also decrease' false.