In basic solutions, [OH⁻] exceeds [H₃O⁺], establishing an imbalance in favor of hydroxide ions. Neutral solutions maintain an equal concentration of [H₃O⁺] and [OH⁻].
The correct statement describing the hydronium-hydroxide balance in a solution is C.
In bases, [OH⁻] is greater than [H₃O⁺]. Bases are substances that increase the concentration of hydroxide ions (\([OH⁻]\)) in solution. The hydroxide ions react with hydronium ions (\([H₃O⁺]\)), forming water in the process. This results in a higher concentration of hydroxide ions compared to hydronium ions in basic solutions.
In neutral solutions, the concentration of hydronium ions is equal to that of hydroxide ions, maintaining a balance and resulting in a neutral pH.
The probable question may be:
Which of the following statements correctly describes the hydronium-hydroxide balance in the given solution? A. In acids, [OH-] is greater than [H3O+]. B. In bases, [OH-] = [H3O+]. C. In bases, [OH-] is greater than [H3O+]. D. In neutral solutions, [H3O+] = [H2O]. E. In bases, [OH-] is less than [H3O+]