Final answer:
The aqueous solution of lithium superoxide is basic due to lithium's low electronegativity, which leads to the release of hydroxide ions when reacting with water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The aqueous solution of lithium superoxide is basic. When lithium, which is an alkali metal, reacts with water it forms a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas, indicative of a basic solution. The alkaline nature comes from the lithium ion's relatively low electronegativity, which favors the formation of ionic bonds with oxygen. This leads to the release of hydroxide ions in solution, yielding a basic environment.
Lithium superoxide (LiO2) in solution would dissociate to form Li+ and O2- ions. The superoxide ion can react with water to form hydroxide ions (OH-), further supporting the characterization of the solution as basic. Therefore, based on the reactivity trends of the alkali metals and the behavior of their oxides and hydroxides in water, it is clear that an aqueous solution of lithium superoxide will be basic.