Science Common Sense

1328 - What is the relationship between hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions in an aqueous solution.

In an aqueous solution (like water), hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) are connected in a special way.

Here's what happens: when water (H2O) breaks apart, it creates equal amounts of H+ (hydrogen ions) and OH- (hydroxide ions). This is called a chemical reaction.

H2O (water) → H+ (hydrogen ions) + OH- (hydroxide ions)

The key thing to know is that in a normal water solution, the number of H+ and OH- ions are always equal, balanced, and connected. This is called equilibrium.

So, if you have more H+ ions than OH- ions, the solution is called acidic (like lemon juice). And if you have more OH- ions than H+ ions, the solution is called basic (like baking soda).