Question

The pH of two solutions A and B are 11 and 7.7 respectively. What can you say about the nature of these solutions?

• A. A is strongly acidic and B is weakly acidic.
• B. A is strongly basic and B is weakly basic.
• C. Both A and B are strongly acidic.
• D. Both A and B are strongly basic.

Answer 1

The correct option is B A is strongly basic and B is weakly basic.

The basic and acidic nature of a solution is determined by measuring the hydrogen ion concentration present in it. This concentration can be measured by a pH scale. The table given below shows the approximate pH range of the acidic, basic and neutral solutions. $$\begin{array}{cc}\text{Type of solution}& \text{Approx. pH range}\\ \text{Weakly acidic}& \text{3 - 7}\\ \text{Strongly acidic}& \text{0 - 3}\\ \text{Neutral}& \text{7}\\ \text{Weakly basic}& \text{7 - 10}\\ \text{Strongly basic}& \text{10 - 14}\end{array}$$From the table it is clear that the solution with pH value 11.0 is strongly basic and that with pH 7.7 is weakly basic.