Which term describes a substance that produces a solution with more hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions?

Which term describes a substance that produces a solution with more hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions?

• A. Acid
• B. Base
• C. pH
• D. Salt

Answer: (B)

If a solution has more hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions, the substance is a base. Bases increase the OH− concentration in water, either by releasing hydroxide directly or by accepting protons (H+), which shifts the balance toward hydroxide. This creates a higher pH, meaning the solution is basic or alkaline. In contrast, acids raise the hydrogen ion (or hydronium) concentration and lower pH. Salts can affect pH depending on their constituent ions, but the key idea here is the dominance of OH− over H+.

If a solution has more hydroxide ions than hydrogen ions, the substance is a base. Bases increase the OH− concentration in water, either by releasing hydroxide directly or by accepting protons (H+), which shifts the balance toward hydroxide. This creates a higher pH, meaning the solution is basic or alkaline. In contrast, acids raise the hydrogen ion (or hydronium) concentration and lower pH. Salts can affect pH depending on their constituent ions, but the key idea here is the dominance of OH− over H+.