A substance with a high pOH would likely have which of the following?

A. A low [H+ ] and a high pH
B. A low [OH– ] and a high pH
C. A high [OH– ] and a low pH
D. A high [H+ ] and a low pH

Question

A substance with a high pOH would likely have which of the following?

A. A low [H+  ] and a high pH
B. A low [OH–   ] and a high pH
C. A high [OH–  ] and a low pH
D. A high [H+  ] and a low pH

aaronq · Answer

the $p$ in $pOH$ or $pH$, just indicates that the value is expressed in a logarithmic scale.

So values closer to zero (or more negative) are larger than those further from zero on the positive side, for example, pOH=1 has a greater $[OH^-]$ than pOH=10.

It's also useful to know that pH + pOH = 14, so if you're more familiar with the pH scale, you can just convert.

Also note that when $[OH^-]$ increases $[H^+]$ decreases, and viceversa.

In relation to your question, a high pOH would have a low $[OH^-]$ and, consequently, a high $[H^+]$. A high $[H^+]$ indicates a low pH.

anonymous · Answer

Thank you for that great explanation!! @aaronq

aaronq · Answer

you're welcome !