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Chapter 15: Problem 121

Is it possible to obtain water at \(25{ }^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) that contains absolutely no ions of any sort? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
It is not possible to obtain water at 25°C that contains absolutely no ions of any sort due to the autoprotolysis of water, a process in which water molecules transfer a proton between themselves and form hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). At 25°C, the concentration of these ions in pure water is 1.0 x 10⁻⁷ M and cannot be reduced to zero.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Autoprotolysis of water

Autoprotolysis (also called autoionization or self-ionization) is a process in which water molecules transfer a proton (H+) between themselves, forming hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The chemical equation for autoprotolysis of water is: \[2H_{2}O \rightleftharpoons H_{3}O^+ + OH^-\]
02

Identify the Ion Concentration in Pure Water

Under any conditions, water undergoes autoprotolysis and generates a certain concentration of hydronium ions (H₃O⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). At 25°C (298K), the concentration of these ions in pure water is equal and equal to 1.0 x 10⁻⁷ M. The relationship is given by the equation: \[K_w = [H_{3}O^+][OH^-] = 1.0 \times 10^{-14}\] where \(K_w\) is the ion-product constant of water.
03

Determine whether Zero-Ion Water is Possible

Since autoprotolysis is a property inherent to water, it is not possible to have water without some concentration of ions present at any temperature. Thus, it is impossible to obtain water at 25°C that contains absolutely no ions. In conclusion, it is not possible to have water at any temperature, including 25°C, without any ions present due to the autoprotolysis of water.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Can a weak acid and its conjugate base ever have the same charge? Explain.

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Using dot diagrams, write a reaction showing how the phenoxide ion, \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{O}^{-}\) can act as a weak base in water.

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