Question

3.5. explain the difference between hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules and between acids and bases.
page(s) 56-58
when you add a base to an acidic solution, what happens to the solution?
correct answer(s)
the solution becomes less acidic.
the solution becomes more acidic.
the ph increases.
the ph decreases.
incorrect answer(s)

Explanation:

When a base is added to an acidic solution, the base neutralizes the acid. Acids have a low pH (high $H^+$ concentration), and bases have a higher pH (lower $H^+$ concentration). Neutralization reduces the $H^+$ concentration, so the solution becomes less acidic, and the pH (which is a measure of $H^+$ concentration, with lower $H^+$ meaning higher pH) increases. The options "The solution becomes more acidic" and "The pH decreases" are incorrect because adding a base counteracts the acidity, not increases it, and pH should rise, not fall.

Answer:

Correct Answer(s):
The solution becomes less acidic.
The pH increases.

Incorrect Answer(s):
The solution becomes more acidic.
The pH decreases.