Multiple Choice
On the pH scale at , the pH of a basic (alkaline) aqueous solution is typically:
2
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17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
The pH Scale
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On the pH scale, a solution with is best classified as which of the following?
A
Neutral
B
Strongly acidic
C
Weakly basic
D
Strongly basic
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, where pH is defined as \(\mathrm{pH} = -\log[\mathrm{H}^+]\), with \([\mathrm{H}^+]\) being the concentration of hydrogen ions in moles per liter.
Understand the pH scale range: a pH of 7 is considered neutral, pH values less than 7 indicate acidic solutions, and pH values greater than 7 indicate basic (alkaline) solutions.
Recognize that the lower the pH value below 7, the stronger the acidity of the solution. For example, a pH of 1 or 2 indicates a strongly acidic solution due to a high concentration of hydrogen ions.
Given the solution has a pH of 2, compare this value to the neutral point (7) and note that it is significantly lower, indicating a strongly acidic solution.
Therefore, classify the solution with pH = 2 as strongly acidic based on its position on the pH scale.
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