Chapter 21, Problem 6RQ

What is true about the relative concentrations of hydronium and hydroxide ions in an acidic solution? How about a neutral solution? A basic solution?

To determine

The relative concentrations of hydronium and hydroxide ions in an acidic solution, a neutral solution, and a basic solution.

Answer to Problem 6RQ

The concentration of hydronium ions is more than that of hydroxide ions in an acidic solution. The concentration of hydronium ions is same that of hydroxide ions in a neutral solution. The concentration of hydronium ions is less than that of hydroxide ions in a basic solution.

Explanation of Solution

The acid produces hydronium ions while the base produces hydroxide ions. Both the ions can react with each other and neutralize each other.

As the acid produces hydronium ions, the concentration of hydronium ions will be more than that of hydroxide ions in an acidic solution.

The neutral solution may contain acid and base in the same quantities. As the acid produces hydronium ions and the base produces the hydroxide ion, the concentration of hydronium ions is the same as that of hydroxide ions in a neutral solution.

As the base produces hydroxide ions, the concentration of hydronium ions will be less than that of hydroxide ions in a basic solution.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the concentration of hydronium ions is more than that of hydroxide ions in an acidic solution. The concentration of hydronium ions is same that of hydroxide ions in a neutral solution. The concentration of hydronium ions is less than that of hydroxide ions in a basic solution.