Answer
This is a basic solution.
Work Step by Step
1. Calculate the hydroxide ion concentration:
$[OH^-] * [H_3O^+] = Kw = 10^{-14}$
$ 4.5 \times 10^{- 2} * [H_3O^+] = 10^{-14}$
$[H_3O^+] = \frac{10^{-14}}{ 4.5 \times 10^{- 2}}$
$[H_3O^+] = 2.2 \times 10^{- 13}M$
2. Identify which one is greater: $[H_3O^+]$ or $[OH^-]$
- Since $4.5 \times 10^{-2} \gt 2.2 \times 10^{-13}$, the hydroxide ion concentration is greater. Which means that this is a basic solution.
$[H_3O^+] \lt [OH^-]:$ Basic solution.
