Answer
This is an acidic solution.
Work Step by Step
1. Calculate the hydroxide ion concentration:
$[H_3O^+] * [OH^-] = Kw = 10^{-14}$
$2.0 \times 10^{-5} * [OH^-] = 10^{-14}$
$[OH^-] = \frac{10^{-14}}{2.0\times 10^{-5}}$
$[OH^-] = 5.0 \times 10^{-10}M$
2. Identify which one is greater: $[H_3O^+]$ or $[OH^-]$
- Since $2.0 \times 10^{-5} \gt 5.0 \times 10^{-10}$, the hydronium ion concentration is greater. Which means that this is an acidic solution.
$[H_3O^+] \gt [OH^-]:$ Acidic solution.
