what ions make something acidic
In pure water, there are an equal number of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions. The solution is neither acidic or basic. An acid is a substance that donates hydrogen ions. Because of this, when an acid is dissolved in water, the balance between hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions is shifted.Now there are more hydrogen ions than hydroxide ions in the solution. This kind of solution is acidic.A base is a substance that accepts hydrogen ions.When a base is dissolved in water, the balance between hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions shifts the opposite way.ow there are more hydrogen ions than hydroxide ions in the solution. This kind of solution is acidic. A base is a substance that accepts hydrogen ions. When a base is dissolved in water, the balance between hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions shifts the opposite way.