Chapter 16: Problem 68
Compare the \(\mathrm{pH}\) values for \(0.10-\mathrm{M}\) solutions of \(\mathrm{NaOH}\) and of \(\mathrm{NH}_{3}\) to illustrate the difference between a strong base and a weak base.
Short Answer
Expert verified
NaOH has a pH of 13 (strong base), while 狈贬鈧 has a pH of 11.13 (weak base).
Step by step solution
01
Determine the pH of NaOH Solution
NaOH is a strong base, meaning it fully dissociates in water. For a \(0.10\,\text{M}\) NaOH solution, the hydroxide ion concentration \([ ext{OH}^-]\) is \(0.10\,\text{M}\). To find the \(\text{pH}\), first calculate the \(\text{pOH}\): \(\text{pOH} = -\log [\text{OH}^-] = -\log(0.10) = 1\). Then use the relation \(\text{pH} + \text{pOH} = 14\) to find \(\text{pH} = 14 - 1 = 13\).
02
Determine the pH of 狈贬鈧 Solution
狈贬鈧 is a weak base, it partially dissociates in water. Use the equilibrium equation: \(\text{NH}_3 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{NH}_4^+ + \text{OH}^-\). \(K_b\) for 狈贬鈧 is \(1.8 \times 10^{-5}\). Use the expression \(K_b = \frac{[\text{NH}_4^+][\text{OH}^-]}{[\text{NH}_3]}\) and assume \(x = [\text{OH}^-]\), \(K_b = \frac{x^2}{0.10 - x} \approx \frac{x^2}{0.10}\), solving the quadratic gives \(x \approx 1.34 \times 10^{-3}\,\text{M}\). Now, \(\text{pOH} = -\log (1.34 \times 10^{-3}) \approx 2.87\), and \(\text{pH} = 14 - 2.87 = 11.13\).
03
Compare the pH Values
The \(\text{pH}\) of \(0.10\,\text{M}\) NaOH is 13, indicating a strong base with complete dissociation. The \(\text{pH}\) of \(0.10\,\text{M}\) 狈贬鈧 is 11.13, showing a weaker base with incomplete dissociation. This illustrates the difference in pH levels between strong and weak bases at the same concentration.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Strong Base
A strong base is a substance that completely dissociates into its ions in water. This means that every molecule of a strong base that dissolves in water splits into its respective ions. As a result, strong bases drastically increase the
[OH^-] concentration in a solution. One of the most common examples of a strong base is sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
- Complete Dissociation: In an aqueous solution, NaOH will fully dissociate to form Na+ and OH- ions. Therefore, the concentration of OH- ions in the solution is equal to the concentration of the NaOH solution you start with.
- Effect on pH: Because of this complete dissociation, strong bases will have high pH values. In our example, a 0.10 M NaOH solution has a pH of 13, indicating a very basic (or alkaline) solution.
Weak Base
Contrary to strong bases, weak bases only partially dissociate in water. This means that only a small fraction of the base molecules release ions into the solution. Ammonia (狈贬鈧) is a classic example of a weak base.
- Partial Dissociation: 狈贬鈧 does not entirely dissociate into ions in aqueous solutions. Instead, it establishes an equilibrium between the ammonia molecules and the ions (狈贬鈧 + H鈧侽 鈬 NH鈧勨伜 + OH鈦).
- Effect on pH: Due to partial dissociation, the concentration of OH鈦 ions in a weak base solution is lower compared to strong bases with the same concentration. For example, a 0.10 M solution of 狈贬鈧 results in a pH of 11.13, signifying a less basic solution compared to a strong base.
NaOH
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is not just any base; it is one of the most common strong bases used in laboratory and industrial processes. It is important to understand its properties to handle it safely and effectively.
- Powers of NaOH: In water, NaOH completely dissociates into sodium (Na+) and hydroxide (OH鈦) ions. Because of this property, NaOH is highly effective at raising the pH of a solution.
- Handling NaOH: Due to its strong basic nature, NaOH solutions are corrosive and can cause severe burns. It's crucial to use protective gear when handling NaOH solutions.
- Applications: NaOH is used in the manufacturing of soap, paper, and as a cleaning agent to dissolve grease and oils.
狈贬鈧
Ammonia (狈贬鈧) is a weak base that finds a range of applications due to its properties in solution. Unlike strong bases, it only partially dissociates in water, which affects its behavior in chemical reactions.
- Properties: Ammonia interacts with water to form ammonium (NH鈧勨伜) and hydroxide (OH鈦) ions, establishing an equilibrium in the solution. Its base nature allows it to be used in household cleaning products and fertilizer production.
- Role in pH: As a weak base, 狈贬鈧 will increase the pH of a solution, though not as significantly as a strong base like NaOH. This makes it suitable for applications where moderate pH adjustment is needed.
- Application: It is widely used as a refrigerant, in the production of fertilizers, and in water purification processes due to its effectiveness to neutralize acids and its balance between reactivity and safety.