Question

What happens to the concentration of both H3O+ and OH- ions as water is added to an acid?

Answer 1

The concentration of both H₃O⁺ and OH⁻ ions decreases as water is added to an acid, leading to dilution. In a strong acid, the initial high concentration of H₃O⁺ ions decreases, while for a weak acid, the solution may approach neutrality with a slight increase in OH⁻ ions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When water is added to an acid, the process of dilution occurs, reducing the concentration of acidic ions. In the case of a strong acid, where the initial concentration of H₃O⁺ ions is high, the addition of water leads to a decrease in this concentration. The solution becomes less acidic, and the pH increases.

For a weak acid, which has a lower initial concentration of H₃O⁺ ions, dilution with water may result in the solution approaching neutrality. In this case, the concentration of OH⁻ ions may slightly increase as the solution becomes less acidic.

In both scenarios, the overall trend is a reduction in the concentrations of both H₃O⁺ and OH⁻ ions as water is added. The dilution process is fundamental in manipulating the pH and acidity of solutions, influencing their chemical properties.

Answer 2

adding an acid to water increases the concentration of the H3O+ ion. decrease in the concentration of the OH- ion.

Explanation/ complete answer

Adding an acid to water therefore has an effect on the concentration of both the H3O+ and OH- ions. Because it is a source of this ion, adding an acid to water increases the concentration of the H3O+ ion. Adding an acid to water, however, decreases the extent to which water dissociates. It therefore leads to a significant decrease in the concentration of the OH- ion.