What is indicated by an excess of OH- ions?

An excess of OH- ions in a solution indicates that the solution is alkaline, which means it has a pH greater than 7. In chemistry, the pH scale is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, where a pH of 7 is considered neutral. Solutions with a higher concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) lead to an increase in pH, resulting in alkaline conditions.

In practical terms, alkaline solutions can often neutralize acids. This characteristic is significant in various applications, including cathodic protection systems, where controlling the pH of the environment is essential for preventing corrosion. Understanding the relationship between hydroxide ions and alkalinity is fundamental for professionals in cathodic protection and related fields.