An unknown blue liquid is found. When tested, it has high amounts of hydroxide ions and low amounts of hydronium ions. Is this an acid or a base?

base

Based on the information provided, we can determine that the unknown blue liquid with high amounts of hydroxide ions (OH-) and low amounts of hydronium ions (H3O+) is a base. Hydroxide ions are characteristic of bases, as they can accept protons (H+) to form water molecules. Additionally, hydronium ions are characteristic of acids, so the low concentration of hydronium ions further supports the conclusion that the unknown blue liquid is a base.

To determine whether the unknown blue liquid is an acid or a base, we can examine its hydroxide ions and hydronium ions concentrations.

Hydroxide ions (OH-) are characteristic of bases, while hydronium ions (H3O+) are characteristic of acids.

In this case, the liquid has high amounts of hydroxide ions (OH-) and low amounts of hydronium ions (H3O+). This indicates that the concentration of hydroxide ions is higher than the concentration of hydronium ions, suggesting that the liquid is a base.

Therefore, based on the information provided, the unknown blue liquid is most likely a base.