Classify each of the following ions according to whether they react with water to give a neutral, acidic, or basic solution. (a) F-

Key Concepts

Acid-Base Theory

Acid-base theory explains how substances can donate or accept protons (H+ ions). According to the Brønsted-Lowry theory, acids are proton donors, while bases are proton acceptors. This concept is crucial for understanding how ions interact with water to affect the pH of a solution.

Hydrolysis of Ions

Hydrolysis refers to the reaction of an ion with water, leading to the formation of an acid or base. For example, when fluoride ions (F-) react with water, they can accept a proton, forming HF, which is a weak acid. This process determines whether the resulting solution is acidic, basic, or neutral.

pH and Solution Classification

The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a solution, with values below 7 indicating acidity, above 7 indicating basicity, and 7 being neutral. Understanding how ions like F- affect the concentration of H+ ions in solution is essential for classifying the resulting solution as acidic, basic, or neutral.