(a) Write a chemical equation that illustrates the autoionization of water. (b) Write the expression for the ionproduct constant for water, $K_{w} .(\mathbf{c})$ If a solution is described as basic, which of the following is true: (i) \(\left[\mathrm{H}^{+}\right]>\left[\mathrm{OH}^{-}\right]\), (ii) \(\left[\mathrm{H}^{+}\right]=\left[\mathrm{OH}^{-}\right],\) or (iii) \(\left[\mathrm{H}^{+}\right]<\left[\mathrm{OH}^{-}\right] ?\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) The chemical equation for the autoionization of water is: \[ H_2O \rightleftharpoons H^+ + OH^- \] (b) The expression for the ion product constant for water, \(K_w\), is: \[ K_w = [H^+][OH^-] \] (c) For a basic solution, the following condition is true: (iii) \([H^+] < [OH^-]\).

Step by step solution

01

A chemical equation representing autoionization of water

Autoionization of water involves the self-ionization of water molecules into hydronium ions (H+) or protons and hydroxide ions (OH-). The chemical equation can be written as follows: \[ 2H_2O \rightleftharpoons H_3O^+ + OH^- \] Or we can more simply write: \[ H_2O \rightleftharpoons H^+ + OH^- \] In both cases, it depicts the autoionization of water. #b) Writing the expression for the ion product constant for water#
02

Ion product constant expression

The ion product constant for water, denoted as \(K_w\), is the equilibrium constant for the autoionization of water. It is the product of the equilibrium concentrations of H+ ions and OH- ions in water. The expression can be written as: \[ K_w = [H^+][OH^-] \] #c) Identifying the true condition for a basic solution#
03

True condition for a basic solution

A basic solution is characterized by a higher concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) compared to hydronium ions (H+). Hence, we compare the given options (i), (ii), and (iii) to determine which condition is true for a basic solution: (i) \([H^+] > [OH^-]\): This is true for an acidic solution, not basic. (ii) \([H^+] = [OH^-]\): This is true for a neutral solution, not basic. (iii) \([H^+] < [OH^-]\): This is true for a basic solution, as it indicates the concentration of hydroxide ions is greater than the concentration of hydronium ions. Therefore, option (iii) \([H^+] < [OH^-]\) is true for a basic solution.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free