Question

An unknown solution has a pH of 6.8. Which of these chemicals is likely to increase the pH the most when added to the solution?

Answer 1

Answer:

A. NaOH.

Explanation:

The pH  of the solution = 6.8.

• The pH of the solution increases as the basicity of the solution increases.

• The basicity of the solution will increase by adding bases that have the ability to produce OH⁻.

So, NaOH and NH₃ "bases" will increase the pH of the solution.

while, HCl and HNO₃ "acids" will increase the acidity of the solution, thus pH will decrease.

But, NaOH will increase the pH of the solution the most because it is dissociates completely to OH⁻ , while NH₃ is weakly ionized "does not dissociate completely".

So, NaOH will increase the pH the most when added to the solution.