Does the solution's acidity increase or decrease as potassium hydroxide is added to the solution? Explain your answer.
To determine whether the solution's acidity will increase or decrease as potassium hydroxide (KOH) is added, we need to consider the chemical properties of potassium hydroxide and the relationship between acidity and pH.
Potassium hydroxide is a strong base that dissociates completely in water, producing hydroxide ions (OH-). These hydroxide ions react with hydrogen ions (H+) in a process called neutralization. This reaction between the hydroxide ions and hydrogen ions forms water (H2O) and reduces the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution.
Acidity is directly related to the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. A higher concentration of hydrogen ions corresponds to a more acidic solution, while a lower concentration of hydrogen ions indicates a less acidic or more basic (alkaline) solution.
As potassium hydroxide is added to the solution, the concentration of hydroxide ions increases, which in turn decreases the concentration of hydrogen ions. This decrease in hydrogen ion concentration leads to a decrease in acidity. Therefore, the solution's acidity decreases as potassium hydroxide is added.
In summary, the addition of potassium hydroxide (a strong base) to a solution causes a decrease in acidity due to the formation of water and a reduction in the concentration of hydrogen ions.