Question

Which of the following phenomena occur when a small amount of acid is added to water?

• A. Dilution
• B. Ionization
• C. Neutralization
• D. Both (A) and (B)

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Both (A) and (B)

The explanation for the correct option
(D) Both (A) and (B)

• When a small acid is added to water, the acid gets diluted. This phenomenon is called dilution.
• On dilution the acid releases hydronium ions${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$. This phenomenon is ionization.
• Example
• $$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{HCl}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to {\mathrm{H}}^{+}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right) \\ (\mathrm{Hydrochloric}(\mathrm{Hydronium}(\mathrm{Chloride}\mathrm{ion}) \\ \mathrm{Acid})\mathrm{ion}) \end{gathered}$$
• Therefore, when acid is added to water both dilution and ionization take place.

Hence, Option (D) Both (A) and (B) is correct.

The explanation for the incorrect options

(A) Dilution

• When acid is added to water not only dilution, but ionization also takes place.

(B) Ionization

• When acid is added to water not only ionization, but dilution also takes place.

(C) Neutralization

• Neutralization takes place when both acid and base are present.

Therefore, Option (D) Both (A) and (B) is correct.