Which of the following describes a solution with equal concentrations of OH- ions and H+ ions?Select one:a.neutralb.amphotericc.acidicd.basic

Break Down the Problem

1. Identify what is meant by equal concentrations of $\text{OH}^-$ and $\text{H}^+$ ions in a solution.
2. Determine the nature of the solution based on the concentration of hydronium ($\text{H}_3\text{O}^+$) ions and hydroxide ions.

Relevant Concepts

• Neutral solution: A solution is considered neutral when the concentration of $\text{H}^+$ ions equals the concentration of $\text{OH}^-$ ions.
• pH scale: The pH of a neutral solution at 25°C is 7, where $\text{H}^+$ and $\text{OH}^-$ are both $1 \times 10^{-7} \, \text{M}$.

Analysis and Detail

• If $[\text{H}^+] = [\text{OH}^-]$, it implies that the solution does not favor acidity or basicity.
• Since both ion concentrations are equal, the solution is neither acidic (which has $[\text{H}^+] > [\text{OH}^-]$) nor basic (which has $[\text{H}^+] < [\text{OH}^-]$).

Verify and Summarize

A solution with equal concentrations of hydroxide ions and hydrogen ions signifies that the solution is neutral, as it does not lean towards being acidic or basic. Therefore, the correct answer is related to the neutrality of the solution.

Final Answer

a. neutral