Question

Using a pH meter, you find the pH of an unknown solution to be 8 .0. How would you describe this solution? a. weakly acidic b. strongly acidic c. weakly basic d. strongly basic

Short answer

The unknown solution has a pH of 8.0, which is above 7 on the pH scale, making it a basic solution. Since the pH is close to 7, it is considered weakly basic. Therefore, the answer is c. weakly basic.

Step-by-step solution

Determine the pH value of the unknown solution

The pH value given is 8.0.

Classify the solution based on its pH value

Since the pH value is above 7, the solution is classified as basic.

Determine the strength of the basicity

The pH value is 8.0, which is close to 7 on the pH scale. Therefore, the solution is weakly basic. Based on the given information and analysis, the correct option to describe the unknown solution is: c. weakly basic

Key concepts

Acidic and Basic Solutions

The concept of acidic and basic solutions revolves around the pH scale. This scale measures how acidic or basic a solution is. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Solutions with a pH lower than 7 are considered acidic, while those with a pH higher than 7 are regarded as basic. This distinction is important because the pH level of a solution can affect chemical reactions and biological processes.

An acidic solution has a high concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺), leading to a pH less than 7. Conversely, a basic solution has a lower concentration of hydrogen ions, resulting in a pH greater than 7. Indicators in chemistry help classify the strength of acidity or basicity, such as litmus paper or phenolphthalein.

• Acidic: pH < 7
• Neutral: pH = 7
• Basic: pH > 7

Understanding whether a solution is acidic or basic is crucial for tasks like titrations in chemistry, regulating body pH levels in biology, or assessing water quality in environmental science.

pH Meter

A pH meter is an essential scientific instrument used to determine the pH level of a solution accurately. It provides a numerical value that indicates whether the solution is acidic, neutral, or basic. The pH meter works by measuring the voltage difference between two electrodes when dipped into the solution.

To use a pH meter, you first calibrate it using standard buffer solutions. This ensures that the readings are accurate. The meter's probe is then immersed in the sample solution, and the meter displays the pH value. This device is common in laboratories for research, quality control, and educational purposes.

• Provides precise pH readings
• Used in various scientific fields
• Needs regular calibration for accuracy

By utilizing a pH meter, students and scientists can quickly determine the properties of a solution, guiding them in processes such as determining the strength of an acid or base.

Chemical Classification

Chemical classification involves categorizing substances based on their chemical properties, including their pH. This classification helps predict how substances will react under different conditions.

Understanding whether a compound is acidic, basic, or neutral aids in predicting its chemical behavior. For example, acids tend to donate protons in reactions, while bases accept them. This knowledge is crucial in fields such as pharmacology, where drug solubility and reactivity depend on chemical classification.

• Acids: Compounds that release H⁺ ions
• Bases: Compounds that accept H⁺ ions
• Neutral: Substances with balanced ion concentrations

In addition to pH, other factors like molecular structure and electron configuration are considered in chemical classification, providing a comprehensive understanding of substances in chemistry.