Question

question 16 (4 points)
which one of the following is true in an acidic solution?

a) h3o+ > oh-

b) h3o+ = oh-

c) h3o+ < oh-

d) h3o+ = 0m

Explanation:

In an acidic solution, the concentration of hydronium ions ($\ce{H3O+}$) is greater than the concentration of hydroxide ions ($\ce{OH-}$). In a neutral solution, $[\ce{H3O+}] = [\ce{OH-}]$, and in a basic solution, $[\ce{H3O+}] < [\ce{OH-}]$. Option d is incorrect because aqueous solutions always have some $\ce{H3O+}$ (from autoionization of water). So the correct statement for an acidic solution is $[\ce{H3O+}] > [\ce{OH-}]$.

Answer:

a) $[\ce{H3O+}] > [\ce{OH-}]$