Which chemical lowers pH when added to water?

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Multiple Choice

Which chemical lowers pH when added to water?

Explanation:
When a chemical dissolves in water, it can change the pH by releasing or consuming hydrogen ions. Alum and ferric salts are acid-forming coagulants: they hydrolyze in water to form metal hydroxides and produce hydrogen ions, which lowers the pH. Sodium hydroxide, on the other hand, is a strong base that neutralizes hydrogen ions and increases pH, so it does not lower pH. That’s why both alum and ferric salts reduce pH, while sodium hydroxide raises it.

When a chemical dissolves in water, it can change the pH by releasing or consuming hydrogen ions. Alum and ferric salts are acid-forming coagulants: they hydrolyze in water to form metal hydroxides and produce hydrogen ions, which lowers the pH. Sodium hydroxide, on the other hand, is a strong base that neutralizes hydrogen ions and increases pH, so it does not lower pH. That’s why both alum and ferric salts reduce pH, while sodium hydroxide raises it.

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