In a solution, red litmus turns blue and turmeric becomes reddish-brown. Which ion is likely to be in excess?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Hydroxide ion
Red litmus turning blue indicates that the solution is basic. Turmeric also changes from yellow to reddish-brown in the presence of a base, confirming the same conclusion. In aqueous school-level acid-base theory, basicity is associated with an excess concentration of hydroxide ions, OH⁻, rather than hydrogen ions. Chloride and sulphate ions alone do not explain these indicator changes. Hence option B is correct.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Hydroxide ion
Why is this the correct answer?
Red litmus turning blue indicates that the solution is basic. Turmeric also changes from yellow to reddish-brown in the presence of a base, confirming the same conclusion. In aqueous school-level acid-base theory, basicity is associated with an excess concentration of hydroxide ions, OH⁻, rather than hydrogen ions. Chloride and sulphate ions alone do not explain these indicator changes. Hence option B is correct.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Acids, Bases, and Salts.
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