What is most likely the pH of a solution containing many hydroxide ions (OH-) and few hydrogen ions(H+)
A.
2
B.
6
C.
7
D.
9
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The most likely pH of a solution containing many hydroxide ions (OH⁻) and few hydrogen ions (H⁺) is:
D. 9
Explanation:
The pH scale measures the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in a solution. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, where there is a higher concentration of hydrogen ions compared to hydroxide ions. Conversely, a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic (or alkaline) solution, where there is a higher concentration of hydroxide ions compared to hydrogen ions.
In a basic solution, the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) is higher relative to hydrogen ions (H⁺). This is because the pH of a solution is inversely related to the concentration of hydrogen ions. Specifically, the pH is calculated as:
[ \text{pH} = -\log[\text{H}^+] ]
where ([\text{H}^+]) is the concentration of hydrogen ions. For basic solutions, the pH will be greater than 7.
The relationship between the pH and pOH (the concentration of hydroxide ions) is given by the equation:
[ \text{pH} + \text{pOH} = 14 ]
For a solution with a pH of 9, the pOH can be calculated as:
[ \text{pOH} = 14 – \text{pH} ]
[ \text{pOH} = 14 – 9 ]
[ \text{pOH} = 5 ]
This indicates that the concentration of hydroxide ions is relatively high compared to the concentration of hydrogen ions, confirming that the solution is basic.
In summary, a solution with many hydroxide ions and few hydrogen ions will have a pH greater than 7. Among the given options, a pH of 9 is the most appropriate choice for such a solution.