Which of the following will lower the pH of water?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following will lower the pH of water?

Explanation:
Lowering pH means increasing the hydrogen ion concentration in water. When chlorine is dissolved in water, it reacts to form hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid: Cl2 + H2O -> HOCl + HCl. The hydrochloric acid releases H+, making the solution more acidic and the pH drop. The other additives listed are basic and raise pH: soda ash (sodium carbonate) accepts H+ and forms carbonic acid, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) provides hydroxide ions, and calcium hydroxide also supplies OH− ions. So chlorine is the one that lowers pH, while the others raise it.

Lowering pH means increasing the hydrogen ion concentration in water. When chlorine is dissolved in water, it reacts to form hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid: Cl2 + H2O -> HOCl + HCl. The hydrochloric acid releases H+, making the solution more acidic and the pH drop. The other additives listed are basic and raise pH: soda ash (sodium carbonate) accepts H+ and forms carbonic acid, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) provides hydroxide ions, and calcium hydroxide also supplies OH− ions. So chlorine is the one that lowers pH, while the others raise it.

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