Effects of OH- Increase on Alkalinity, Acidity, and pH

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of increasing hydroxide ions (OH-) in a solution on alkalinity, acidity, and pH. It explores theoretical implications and definitions related to these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that an increase in OH- would lead to an increase in alkalinity but expresses uncertainty about the implications for acidity and pH.
  • Another participant questions what OH- bonds with in a solution and its relevance to the definition of pH, indicating a need for deeper understanding.
  • A later post provides definitions for pH and pOH, stating that increasing OH- concentration would increase alkalinity and decrease acidity, while also mentioning the relationship between pH and pOH.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus among participants. While some agree that increasing OH- affects alkalinity, the implications for acidity and pH remain contested and uncertain.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the relationships between OH- concentration, acidity, and pH, and there are assumptions regarding the definitions of these terms that may not be universally accepted.

n108
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An increase in the OH- in a solution would result in

an increase in alkalinity (baseness).

an increase in acidity.

a pH of 7.

a decrease in pH.

i think it would be - an increase in alkalinity, but I am not sure
help!
 
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When you add OH- to a solution, what does it bond with (i.e. remove some of from the solution)?

And what does that have to do with the definition of pH?

You're correct, but you should be able to be more confident in your guess
 
Thanks for the help!
 
pH is the negative of the log of the concentration of H3O+ ions (sometimes also called H+ ions) so the formula is:
pH = -log[H3O+]

The same is true for pOH except this time you are looking at the concentration of OH- ions:
pOH = -log[OH-]

And always remember pH + pOH = 14
so yes, if you increase the OH- ion concentration, you increase Alkalinity (and decrease acidity)
 

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