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The pH of a solution does not increase when diluting a base. Since the pH depends inversely on the concentration (rather than number of moles) of hydronium ions (H3O+) in solution, dilution would cause the pH to decrease. Another way to think about this problem is with pOH, which can be related to pH by the approximation:

14-pOH=pH

Which is valid under normal conditions. pOH is inversely related to the concentration of hydroxide (OH-) ions. If one dilutes the the solution, there would be a smaller concentration of hydroxide ions, meaning a larger pOH. By the equation above, a larger pOH causes a smaller pH. This agrees with the intuitive reasoning that if a solution is getting less basic, it becomes more acidic, and therefore its pH decreases.

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Related Questions

How does diluting an acidic or basic solution affect the pH of the solution?

It depends on the pH of the dilutant. if the dilution substance is base the acidic solution will become less acidic moving toward neutral pH, the more it is diluted the less acidic it will become. A base solution will remain base or about 7 pH


How do you raise the pH of nitric acid?

To raise the pH of nitric acid, you can add a base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH) in small increments while monitoring the pH. The reaction will neutralize the acid and increase the pH level. Remember to add the base slowly and carefully to avoid any sudden increase in pH.


What causes the pH of solution to increase?

Adding a base will make the pH go up (increasing of OH- ions concentration).


If a base is added to an acidic solution what happens to the ph?

Adding base will increase pH-level


What can cause the pH of a solution to increase?

Adding a base the pH increases.


Does a base increase or decrease the pH of a solution?

A base will increase the pH of a solution as it will lower the available H+ ions.


What happens to the strength of a base as the pH value increase?

Also increase.


Is it true that a ten-fold dilution of a strong acidic solution will decrease the pH by 1?

No, it is false. A ten-fold dilution of an acid will INCREASE the pH by 1 unit. Remember pH is 0-14 where 0 is most acidic. Diluting ten-fold on a logarithmic scale will increase the pH.Conversely, a ten-fold dilution of an alkali/base will increase the pH by 1 unit.


When an acid reacts with a base does the pH increase or decrease?

When an acid reacts with a base, the pH of the solution will increase. This is because the reaction results in the formation of water and a salt, which increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) in the solution, leading to an increase in pH.


Which causes pH of a solution to increase?

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Which cause the pH of solution to increase?

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When a strong base is added to water does the pH drop significantly?

The pH increase significantly.