You have two solutions: Solution A has pH = 6 and Solution B has pH = 8. (a) Which has more H⁺ ion concentration? (b) Which is acidic and which is basic?
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-17 12:37 · grounding rag
Model Answer
(a) Solution A (pH = 6) has more H⁺ ion concentration, because higher the H⁺ ion concentration, lower is the pH value.
(b) Solution A (pH = 6) is acidic (pH < 7), and Solution B (pH = 8) is basic (pH > 7).
Source: Chapter 2, Section 2.3 — How Strong Are Acid or Base Solutions?
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Explanation
- The key rule from the textbook: Higher H⁺ concentration → lower pH. So between pH 6 and pH 8, pH 6 has more H⁺ ions.
- pH < 7 = acidic; pH = 7 = neutral; pH > 7 = basic/alkaline. Examiners expect you to state both classifications clearly.
- Always mention the pH values alongside your answer to justify your choice — this earns full marks.