alleryStart learning →What makes an aqueous solution acidic?
AMore hydronium than hydroxide ions
BMore hydroxide than hydronium ions
CEqual hydronium and hydroxide ions
DAn absence of hydroxide ions entirely
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. More hydronium than hydroxide ions
1. Both ions are always present, so acidity is a comparison, not a presence test.
2. A solution is acidic when hydronium ions outnumber hydroxide ions.
3. The two concentrations are inversely related through the ion product of water.
4. So raising one necessarily lowers the other.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry (CC BY 4.0), Ch 14 "Acid-Base Equilibria", section 14.2 pH and pOH_
Keep practising Acid-Base Equilibria
Browse all Acid-Base Equilibria questions for JAMB UTME, or explore more Chemistry topics.
Related questions
Spot the odd oneStrong or weak?Acids and bases bingoCatch the acidic signsProton donor or acceptor?Sodium chloride solution is neutral. What does that say about its ions?Which compounds are named as the most familiar bases?Which taste was recognised as characteristic of acids in the eighteenth century?