Question

Identify each of the solutions in problem 10.87 as acidic, basic, or neutral.

Short answer

a.Neutral

b.acidic

c.acidic

d.acidic

Step-by-step solution

Given Information

pH is a scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of a fluid solution. Acidic solutions are estimated to have lower pH values than basic or alkaline solutions.

$$\begin{gathered} \text{a.}\left[{\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}^{+}\right]=1.0\times {10}^{-11}\mathrm{M} \\ \mathrm{b}.\left[{\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}^{+}\right]=5.0\times {10}^{-2}\mathrm{M} \\ \mathrm{c}.\left[{\mathrm{OH}}^{-}\right]=3.5\times {10}^{-4}\mathrm{M} \\ \mathrm{d}.\left[{\mathrm{OH}}^{-}\right]=0.005\mathrm{M} \end{gathered}$$

Explanation 

A solution is acidic if its pH is less than $7$. A solution is basic if its pH is greater than $7$. A solution is neutral if its pH is equal to $7$.

Hence, the solutions are -

a.$\left[{\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}^{+}\right]=1.0\times {10}^{-11}\mathrm{M}$is Neutral

b.$\left[{\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}^{+}\right]=5.0\times {10}^{-2}\mathrm{M}$is acidic

c.$\left[{\mathrm{OH}}^{-}\right]=3.5\times {10}^{-4}\mathrm{M}$is acidic

d.$\left[{\mathrm{OH}}^{-}\right]=0.005\mathrm{M}$is acidic