Which of the following cannot exist in solution? a. O²⁻ b. H⁺ c. Cl⁻ d. Na⁺

Which of the following cannot exist in solution? a. O²⁻ b. H⁺ c. Cl⁻ d. Na⁺

Explanation

Oxygen ions (O²⁻) are highly reactive and readily combine with other elements to form more stable compounds

In aqueous solutions, they readily react with water to form hydroxide ions (OH⁻) and oxygen gas (O₂), effectively neutralizing their existence as free O²⁻ ions.

This makes it extremely difficult for O²⁻ to exist independently in a solution.