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Chapter 16: Problem 13

The \(\mathrm{pH}\) of a solution is 6.7 . From this statement alone, can you conclude that the solution is acidic? If not, what additional information would you need? Can the \(\mathrm{pH}\) of a solution be zero or negative? If so, give examples to illustrate these values.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Yes, the solution is acidic because it has a pH less than 7. Yes, a solution can have a pH of zero or even negative as in the case of highly concentrated strong acids like hydrochloric acid.

Step by step solution

01

Problem Analysis

To determine if a solution is acidic or basic, we analyze the pH value. Given the pH value of the solution is 6.7 and we know that a solution with pH less than 7 is acidic. Therefore we can say that this solution is acidic.
02

The pH spectrum

It's important to understand that pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral. Values below 7 indicate an acidic solution and values above 7 indicate a basic, or alkaline, solution.
03

Negative and Zero pH

While it's not commonly found, theoretically, the pH of a solution can be zero or even negative. Such extreme acidity usually occurs in high concentrations of strong acids. An example is the hydrochloric acid (HCl), when concentrated it can have negative pH values.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Which would be considered a stronger Lewis acid: (a) \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) or \(\mathrm{BCl}_{3},\) (b) \(\mathrm{Fe}^{2+}\) or \(\mathrm{Fe}^{3+}\) ? Explain.

Teeth enamel is largely hydroxyapatite \(\left[\mathrm{Ca}_{5}\left(\mathrm{PO}_{4}\right)_{3} \mathrm{OH}\right]\). When it dissolves in water (a process called demineralization), it dissociates as follows: $$\mathrm{Ca}_{5}\left(\mathrm{PO}_{4}\right)_{3} \mathrm{OH} \longrightarrow 5 \mathrm{Ca}^{2+}+3 \mathrm{PO}_{4}^{3-}+\mathrm{OH}^{-}$$ The reverse process, called remineralization, is the body's natural defense against tooth decay. Acids produced from food remove the \(\mathrm{OH}^{-}\) ions and thereby weaken the enamel layer. Most toothpastes contain a flouride compound such as \(\mathrm{NaF}\) or \(\mathrm{SnF}_{2}\). What is the function of these compounds in preventing tooth decay?

Without referring to the text, write the formulas of four strong acids and four weak acids.

For a species to act as a Bronsted base, an atom in the species must possess a lone pair of electrons. Explain why this is so.

Which of the following is a stronger base: \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\) or \(\mathrm{PH}_{3}\) ? (Hint: The \(\mathrm{N}-\mathrm{H}\) bond is stronger than the \(\mathrm{P}-\mathrm{H}\) bond. \()\)
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