Question

The figure below shows where solution X and solution Y fall on the pH scale.

Image

Which statement correctly compares solutions X and Y?
A.

Solution X has a higher concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) than solution Y.

B.

Solution X has a higher concentration of hydronium ions (H3O+) than solution Y.

C.

Solution X and Y have equal numbers of hydronium (H3O+) and hydroxide (OH-) ions.

D.

Solution Y has a higher concentration of hydronium ions (H3O+) than solution X.

Answer 1

I can't see the image — could you either attach it or tell me the pH values (or whether X is to the left or right of 7 and relative to Y)?

Rule to use:
- Higher pH → lower [H3O+] and higher [OH−] (more basic).
- Lower pH → higher [H3O+] and lower [OH−] (more acidic).
So:
- If X has the higher pH (is more basic) than Y → A is correct.
- If X has the lower pH (is more acidic) than Y → B is correct.
- If both are pH 7 (neutral) → C is correct.
- If Y has the lower pH (is more acidic) than X → D is correct.

Tell me how X and Y are placed on the scale and I’ll pick the right letter.