Question

You increase the [OH⁻] in a solution by a factor of 10,000.The [H⁺] of the solution will decrease

a true
b false

Answer 1

The given statement "The [H⁺] of the solution will decrease" is false because of the fundamental relationship between hydroxide ions
`(\(OH^-\))` and hydrogen ions
`(\(H^+\))` in a solution, which is governed by the ion product of water
`(\(K_w\)).` Thus the correct option is B. False.

Step-by-step explanation:

Increasing the hydroxide ion concentration ([OH⁻]) in a solution by a factor of 10,000 does not directly affect the hydrogen ion concentration ([H⁺]) in the solution. The relationship between [OH⁻] and [H⁺] in a solution is governed by the ion product of water (Kw), which is a constant at a given temperature. The equation representing Kw is:

`\[ Kw = [H^(+) ] * [OH^(-) ] \]`

If [OH⁻] is increased by a factor of 10,000, it implies that:

`\[ [OH^(-) ]_(new) = 10,000 * [OH^(-) ]_(old) \]`

However, as Kw is constant at a given temperature, the increase in [OH⁻] will be accompanied by a proportional decrease in [H⁺] to maintain the constant Kw. Therefore, the claim that the [H⁺] of the solution will decrease when [OH⁻] is increased by a factor of 10,000 is false.

In summary, the false statement stems from the fact that the ion product of water constrains the relationship between [OH⁻] and [H⁺], ensuring that changes in one ion concentration are inversely proportional to changes in the other to maintain the constant Kw.

The given statement "The [H⁺] of the solution will decrease" is false. Thus the correct option is B. False.