What is the relationship of a base to hydrogen ions in aqueous solutions?

A base is defined as a substance that can accept protons (hydrogen ions) or donate electron pairs in an aqueous solution. When a base is present in water, it typically reacts with hydrogen ions (H+) in the solution, effectively consuming them. This consumption of hydrogen ions leads to a decrease in their concentration, which results in an increase in the pH of the solution. The pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution; specifically, a higher pH indicates a more basic (or less acidic) solution.

This relationship is crucial in understanding acid-base chemistry. When hydrogen ions are consumed by a base, the resulting shifts in ion concentration allow for a clearer perception of how bases function in chemical equilibria, particularly in buffering systems and neutralization reactions. Therefore, the correct assertion regarding the relationship between a base and hydrogen ions in aqueous solutions is that it consumes hydrogen ions, resulting in a higher pH.