Chapter 8: Problem 14
The \(\mathrm{pH}\) of pure water at \(80^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) will be (a) \(=7\) (b) \(<7\) (c) \(>7\) (d) none of these
Short Answer
Expert verified
The pH of pure water at \(80^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) is (b) \(<7\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Relationship between Temperature and Kw
The ion product of water, often denoted as \(K_w\), changes with temperature. At \(25^{\circ} C\), the \(K_w\) is \(1.0 \times 10^{-14}\). However, at higher temperatures such as \(80^{\circ} C\), \(K_w\) increases, indicating more ionization of water molecules, which affects the \(\text{pH}\).
02
Define pH in Terms of Kw
The \(\text{pH}\) is defined as \( -\log[H^+] \). In pure water, \([H^+] = [OH^-]\), so \(K_w = [H^+][OH^-] = [H^+]^2\.\) Therefore, \([H^+] = \sqrt{K_w}\). As \(K_w\) increases with temperature, the concentration \([H^+]\) also increases.
03
Determine the Resulting pH Value
As \([H^+]\) increases while \(K_w\) increases, the \(\text{pH}\) (which equals \(-\log[H^+]\)) decreases. Therefore, the \(\text{pH}\) of pure water at \(80^{\circ} C\) will be less than 7, indicating that water becomes more acidic in terms of numerical pH scale at increased temperatures.
04
Choose the Correct Option
Given that the \(\text{pH}\) decreases with increased temperature, pure water at \(80^{\circ} C\) will have a \(\text{pH}\) less than 7. Thus, the correct option is (b) \(<7\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Temperature Effect on \(K_w\)
Water's ionization product, denoted as \(K_w\), is highly dependent on temperature.
At \(25^{\circ} C\), \(K_w\) is commonly known to be \(1.0 \times 10^{-14}\).
As the water temperature rises, such as at \(80^{\circ} C\), \(K_w\) increases, and this alteration is crucial in understanding how variations in temperature affect water's properties.
This increase in \(K_w\) implies more ionization of water, meaning more molecules break up into ions.
A higher \(K_w\) shows increased ionization, which has a direct impact on the calculation and understanding of pH changes when water is heated. Essentially:
At \(25^{\circ} C\), \(K_w\) is commonly known to be \(1.0 \times 10^{-14}\).
As the water temperature rises, such as at \(80^{\circ} C\), \(K_w\) increases, and this alteration is crucial in understanding how variations in temperature affect water's properties.
This increase in \(K_w\) implies more ionization of water, meaning more molecules break up into ions.
A higher \(K_w\) shows increased ionization, which has a direct impact on the calculation and understanding of pH changes when water is heated. Essentially:
- Higher temperature \(\rightarrow\) higher \(K_w\)
- More ionization \(\rightarrow\) greater presence of \([H^+]\) and \([OH^-]\) ions
Ionization of Water
The process of ionization in water refers to water molecules dissociating into hydrogen ions \([H^+]\) and hydroxide ions \([OH^-]\).
At room temperature, water is partially ionized, maintaining a balance in its neutral state.
When we discuss ionization at varying temperatures, such as \(80^{\circ} C\), we observe an increase in the number of ions present.
The ionization equation for water is:\[H_2O(l) \leftrightarrows H^+(aq) + OH^-(aq)\]With increased temperature, the equilibrium shifts to favor more ionization, meaning that there are more \([H^+]\) and \([OH^-]\) ions in the water.
Key insights:
At room temperature, water is partially ionized, maintaining a balance in its neutral state.
When we discuss ionization at varying temperatures, such as \(80^{\circ} C\), we observe an increase in the number of ions present.
The ionization equation for water is:\[H_2O(l) \leftrightarrows H^+(aq) + OH^-(aq)\]With increased temperature, the equilibrium shifts to favor more ionization, meaning that there are more \([H^+]\) and \([OH^-]\) ions in the water.
Key insights:
- Increase in temperature spikes the ionization process
- Explains increased values of \([H^+]\) and \(K_w\) at higher temperatures
Relationship between \(K_w\) and pH
The pH is a logarithmic scale used to express the acidity or basicity of a solution, calculated using the formula \(\text{pH} = -\log[H^+]\).
In pure water, the concentrations of hydrogen ions \([H^+]\) and hydroxide ions \([OH^-]\) are equal.
The equation \(K_w = [H^+][OH^-] = [H^+]^2\) confirms this balance.
When \(K_w\) increases, due to factors like rising temperature, the concentration \([H^+]\) will increase as well. This affects the pH value:
Understanding this intricate relationship helps in predicting the behavior of water's pH in various thermal conditions.
In pure water, the concentrations of hydrogen ions \([H^+]\) and hydroxide ions \([OH^-]\) are equal.
The equation \(K_w = [H^+][OH^-] = [H^+]^2\) confirms this balance.
When \(K_w\) increases, due to factors like rising temperature, the concentration \([H^+]\) will increase as well. This affects the pH value:
- As \([H^+]\) rises, the pH value lowers
- A higher \(K_w\) at increased temperatures indicates that pure water becomes more 'acidic' in numerical terms
Understanding this intricate relationship helps in predicting the behavior of water's pH in various thermal conditions.