How is the concentration of hydronium ions (H 3 O + ) affected when a solution of an acid is diluted?

 

Answer:

  • An acid is diluted by mixing water and acid. 
  • Hydronium ions are formed by the combination of H + ions from the acid and OH - from the water. 
    Acid forms Hydronium Ions in water, which then conduct electricity-01.jpg

  • More water means more water molecules surrounded by hydronium ions. 
  • The hydronium ions will then combine with hydroxyl ions (OH - ) to produce more water thus reducing the concentration of hydronium ions per unit volume of the solution.
  • Therefore , mixing an acid with water leads to a decrease in the concentration of Hydronium ions (H 3 O + ).

Diluting Acid-01.jpg

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CA Maninder Singh is a Chartered Accountant for the past 13 years and a teacher from the past 17 years. He teaches Science, Economics, Accounting and English at Teachoo