Multiple Choice
On the standard pH scale used in general chemistry, the pH of aqueous solutions typically ranges from what value to what value?
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17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
The pH Scale
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Which pH value indicates the most basic solution?
A
pH 5
B
pH 2
C
pH 7
D
pH 12
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, where lower pH values (below 7) indicate acidic solutions, pH 7 is neutral, and higher pH values (above 7) indicate basic (alkaline) solutions.
Identify the pH values given: 5, 2, 7, and 12. Among these, 2 and 5 are less than 7, so they represent acidic solutions; 7 is neutral; and 12 is greater than 7, indicating a basic solution.
Understand that the higher the pH value above 7, the more basic the solution is. Therefore, pH 12 is more basic than pH 7, 5, or 2.
Conclude that the solution with pH 12 is the most basic among the options provided because it has the highest pH value.
Remember that pH is calculated as \(\mathrm{pH} = -\log[\mathrm{H}^+]\), so a higher pH corresponds to a lower concentration of hydrogen ions and a more basic solution.
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