Question

In a basic solution, which of the following would be true?

A. [OH⁻] > [H₃O⁺ ]

B. pH > 7

C. [H₃O⁺] < 1.0 x 10⁻⁷

D. All of the above

Answer 1

All of the conditions, [OH⁻] > [H₃O⁺], pH > 7, and [H₃O⁺] < 1.0 x 10⁻⁷, are true for a basic solution, making the correct answer D. All of the above.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a basic solution, it would be true that [OH⁻] > [H₃O⁻], pH > 7, and [H₃O⁻] < 1.0 x 10⁻⁷; therefore, the correct answer is D. All of the above.

When dealing with solutions, we know that if the hydroxide ion concentration ([OH⁻]) is greater than the hydronium ion concentration ([H₃O⁻]), the solution is basic. This is also reflected in the pH scale where a basic solution has a pH value greater than 7. Since pH is a logarithmic scale, pH greater than 7 indicates that the [H₃O⁻] is less than 1.0 x 10⁻⁷ M, meeting the condition to be considered basic.

Moreover, a concentration of [H₃O⁻] being less than 1.0 x 10⁻⁷ M directly implies that [OH⁻] will be greater in a basic solution due to the relationship expressed by the water equilibrium constant (Kw).