Understanding Acidic Solutions After Neutralization

Hard General Chemistry Acids And Bases

In a laboratory experiment, a student prepares a solution by mixing hydrochloric acid (HCl) with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The reaction between these two substances can be represented by the balanced equation:

HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq) → NaCl (aq) + H₂O (l)

At the completion of the reaction, the student observes the pH of the resulting solution. To analyze the pH, additional hydrogen ions (H⁺) might be supplied to the solution.

If the resulting solution's pH is significantly less than 7 after the addition of H⁺ ions, which of the following conclusions can be drawn about the solution?

The solution is neutral because the reaction has gone to completion.

The solution is acidic due to the presence of excess H<sup>+</sup> ions.

The solution is basic because NaOH is a strong base.

The solution remains unchanged after the addition of H<sup>+</sup> ions.

Hint

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