State whether each of the following statements is true or false. Justify your answer in each case. (a) \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\) contains no \(\mathrm{OH}^{-}\) ions, and yet its aqueous solutions are basic. (b) HF is a strong acid. (c) Although sulfuric acid is a strong electrolyte, an aqueous solution of \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) contains more \(\mathrm{HSO}_{4}^{-}\) -ions than \(\mathrm{SO}_{4}^{2-}\) ions.

In order to determine if the statement "NH3 contains no OH- ions, and yet its aqueous solutions are basic" is true or false, one should know that NH3 is an ammonia molecule. While NH3 does not contain any OH- ions, it reacts with water in an aqueous solution to form ammonium ions (NH4+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). The presence of hydroxide ions in the solution makes it basic. Therefore, the statement is True.

To determine the truthfulness of the statement "HF is a strong acid," one should know the definition of a strong acid and if HF qualifies as a strong acid. A strong acid is a compound that completely dissociates into ions when dissolved in water, whereas a weak acid partially dissociates. HF (hydrofluoric acid) is classified as a weak acid because it does not completely dissociate in water. Therefore, the statement is False.

To determine the truthfulness of the statement "Although sulfuric acid is a strong electrolyte, an aqueous solution of H2SO4 contains more HSO4- ions than SO4^2- ions," one should have knowledge of sulfuric acid's properties and its dissociation in water. Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is a strong acid and a strong electrolyte, meaning it completely dissociates into ions. However, it is also a diprotic acid, which means it loses two protons (H+ ions) in two separate steps. In the first step, H2SO4 gives away its first proton (H+) to form HSO4- ions. This dissociation reaction occurs completely since it is a strong acid. In the second step, the HSO4- ion now acts as a weak acid and partially gives away its proton (H+) to form SO4^2- ions. As a result, there will be more HSO4- ions than SO4^2- ions in the aqueous solution. Therefore, the statement is True.