Question

If additional OH- isadded to a sample of pure water, which of the following statements is incorrect?

a. The equilibrium position shifts to the left
b. The solution becomes more basic
c. the {H₃O+} increases
d. The [OH-] > [H3O+]
e. the amount of the non=ionized H₂O increases

Answer 1

The incorrect statement is that the concentration of {H₃O+} increases when additional OH- is added to pure water. Instead, the concentration of hydronium ions decreases as the equilibrium shifts to the left.

Step-by-step explanation:

If additional OH- is added to a sample of pure water, the statement that is incorrect is that the {H₃O+} increases. When OH- is added, the water's autoionization equilibrium shifts according to Le Chatelier's Principle to counteract the increase in hydroxide ions, leading to the formation of more water molecules and a decrease in the concentration of hydronium ions, therefore:

• The equilibrium position shifts to the left (a).
• The solution becomes more basic (b).
• The [OH-] > [H3O+] (d).
• The amount of the non-ionized H₂O increases (e).

Therefore, statement (c) is incorrect. By understanding these principles, we can see how the equilibrium adjusts to maintain a balance in response to stress, such as the addition of hydroxide ions.