To determine the properties of a chemical solution based on its hydrogen ion concentration, we need to calculate its pH and understand its implications:
1. Calculate the pH:
We can calculate the pH of a solution using the formula:
[tex]\[
\text{pH} = -\log_{10}[\text{H}^+]
\][/tex]
Where [tex]\([\text{H}^+]\)[/tex] is the hydrogen ion concentration.
Given that the hydrogen ion concentration is [tex]\(1 \times 10^{-12}\)[/tex] M, we substitute this value into the formula:
[tex]\[
\text{pH} = -\log_{10}(1 \times 10^{-12})
\][/tex]
This simplifies to:
[tex]\[
\text{pH} = -(-12) = 12
\][/tex]
2. Interpret the pH value:
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, where:
- A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution.
- A pH of exactly 7 indicates a neutral solution.
- A pH greater than 7 indicates a basic (alkaline) solution.
Since the pH of the solution is 12, it is clearly basic.
3. Predict the properties based on pH:
As a basic solution with a pH of 12, the following predictions can be made about the chemical:
- It has a high concentration of hydroxide ions. This is a characteristic property of basic solutions, as such solutions have lower hydrogen ion concentrations and correspondingly higher hydroxide ion concentrations.
- It will form salt and water when added to an acid. This is a typical neutralization reaction where an acid reacts with a base to form salt and water.
Given the predictions and the nature of the chemical (basic with pH = 12):
- The statement "It has a high concentration of hydroxide ions" is true.
- The statement "It will form salt and water when added to a base" is misleading; the correct statement should be that it forms salt and water when added to an acid.
- The statement "It contains no hydroxide ions" is false; it does contain hydroxide ions due to its basic nature.
- The statement "It has a sour taste" is false; basic solutions do not have a sour taste, which is characteristic of acids.
Therefore, the correct conclusion based on the given hydrogen ion concentration and resulting pH is that the chemical has a high concentration of hydroxide ions.
