A solution with equal numbers of hydrogen and hydroxide ions is described as which type?

A solution with equal numbers of hydrogen and hydroxide ions is described as which type?

• A. Acidic
• B. Neutral
• C. Positive
• D. Negative

Answer: (B)

When hydrogen ion concentration equals hydroxide ion concentration, the solution has no excess of either ion, so its acidity/basicity balance is neutral. In water at room temperature, that equality corresponds to pH around 7, since [H+] = [OH−] and their product Kw is about 1×10−14. This gives [H+] ≈ [OH−] ≈ 1×10−7 M, yielding pH 7. Therefore the solution is neutral. Acidic would require more H+ than OH−, basic would require more OH− than H+, and terms like positive or negative describe net charge rather than the acid-base balance in this context.

When hydrogen ion concentration equals hydroxide ion concentration, the solution has no excess of either ion, so its acidity/basicity balance is neutral. In water at room temperature, that equality corresponds to pH around 7, since [H+] = [OH−] and their product Kw is about 1×10−14. This gives [H+] ≈ [OH−] ≈ 1×10−7 M, yielding pH 7. Therefore the solution is neutral. Acidic would require more H+ than OH−, basic would require more OH− than H+, and terms like positive or negative describe net charge rather than the acid-base balance in this context.