Why does the pH of neutral water drop when it is left out in an uncovered container on a worktop for a long period of time?

This question tests your knowledge on; the properties of non-metal oxides in solution, the concept of equilibrium, pH.

Non-metal oxides such as (CO2, P4O10, SO2, etc) are acidic in solution. When left out on the worktop, some of the CO2 dissolves in the water to reach the position of equilibium as both the CO2 and H2O are present in high concentrations. As this position of equilibrium is approached, more CO2 overall has dissolved and so the neutral solution has become more acidic. This is due to the concentration of H+ increasing and by using the equation for pH it can be deduced that the pH decreases.

NG
Answered by Narutoshi G. Chemistry tutor

2832 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

When using cm3 as the unit for volume to calculate the concentration why must you divide the cm3 by 1000?


what is a simple test to detect the presence of a carbonyl and to identify it?


How can you test for aldehydes and ketones?


explain why the electronegativity of fluorine is greater than that chlorine


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning