Final answer:
An acid has a pH lower than 7, while a base has a pH higher than 7.'A base gives off hydroxide ions' ,The correct statement is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acidic solutions have a pH lower than 7, while basic solutions have a pH higher than 7. Therefore, the statement 'An acid has a pH of 7.1' is false. An acid increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution, which lowers the pH. The statement 'A base has a pH of 7' is also false. A base decreases the concentration of hydrogen ions and increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) in a solution, raising the pH. So, the correct statement is 'A base gives off hydroxide ions.' Bases release hydroxide ions, which can accept hydrogen ions to form water, reducing the solution's acidity.