Chapter 16: Problem 74
Determine the \(K_{\mathrm{b}}\) of a weak base if a \(0.19-M\) aqueous solution of the base at \(25^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) has a \(\mathrm{pH}\) of 10.88 .
Short Answer
Expert verified
The value of \( K_{\mathrm{b}} \) is approximately \( 3.03 \times 10^{-6} \).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Relationship Between pH and pOH
First, recall that pH and pOH are related by the equation: \( \text{pH} + \text{pOH} = 14 \) at \(25^{\circ} \text{C}\). In this case, since the pH is given as 10.88, we can find the pOH as follows: \( \text{pOH} = 14 - 10.88 = 3.12 \).
02
Convert pOH to OH- Concentration
The concentration of hydroxide ions, \([\text{OH}^-]\), can be determined using the expression \( [\text{OH}^-] = 10^{-\text{pOH}} \). Substitute the pOH value into the equation: \( [\text{OH}^-] = 10^{-3.12} \approx 7.59 \times 10^{-4} \text{ M} \).
03
Write the Equilibrium Expression for the Weak Base
Consider the equilibrium equation for a weak base, \( \text{B} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{BH}^+ + \text{OH}^- \). The equilibrium constant for this reaction, called \( K_{\text{b}} \), is given by the formula: \( K_{\text{b}} = \frac{[\text{BH}^+][\text{OH}^-]}{[\text{B}]} \).
04
Determine Values to Substitute into the Equilibrium Expression
Initially, the base concentration, \([\text{B}]\), is provided as 0.19 M and \([\text{OH}^-]\) has been calculated as \( 7.59 \times 10^{-4} \text{ M} \). We assume \([\text{BH}^+]\) is also \( 7.59 \times 10^{-4} \text{ M} \) because each OH- comes from one dissociated BH+. Substitute these values into the expression \( K_{\text{b}} = \frac{(7.59 \times 10^{-4})(7.59 \times 10^{-4})}{0.19 - 7.59 \times 10^{-4}} \).
05
Simplify the Expression and Calculate Kb
Simplify the expression: \( K_{\text{b}} = \frac{(7.59 \times 10^{-4})^2}{0.19} \approx \frac{5.76 \times 10^{-7}}{0.19} \approx 3.03 \times 10^{-6} \). Thus, \( K_{\text{b}} \approx 3.03 \times 10^{-6} \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Weak Base
A weak base is a substance that partially ionizes in water, releasing some, but not all, of its base particles as hydroxide ions \(\text{OH}^-\). This partial ionization is what differentiates weak bases from strong bases, which completely dissociate in solution.
Examples of common weak bases include ammonia (NH₃) and methylamine (CH₃NH₂). Weak bases play an important role in chemistry since they're often involved in buffer solutions and various biological processes.
Examples of common weak bases include ammonia (NH₃) and methylamine (CH₃NH₂). Weak bases play an important role in chemistry since they're often involved in buffer solutions and various biological processes.
- Weak bases do not release many hydroxide ions in solution, which is why they have higher pH values than neutral water but lower than strong bases.
- The degree of ionization of a weak base is quantified by its equilibrium constant \(K_{\text{b}}\).
pH and pOH Relationship
Understanding the relationship between pH and pOH is essential in the study of acidity and basicity in solutions. These two parameters are inversely related through the formula:
\[ \text{pH} + \text{pOH} = 14 \]
This equation is valid at 25°C, which is standard room temperature. It serves as a bridge between the concentration of hydrogen ions \([\text{H}^+]\) and hydroxide ions \([\text{OH}^-]\).
Knowing the pH can help you find the pOH, and vice versa. For example, if the pH of a solution is given as 10.88, you can directly calculate its pOH by subtracting the pH from 14:
\[ \text{pH} + \text{pOH} = 14 \]
This equation is valid at 25°C, which is standard room temperature. It serves as a bridge between the concentration of hydrogen ions \([\text{H}^+]\) and hydroxide ions \([\text{OH}^-]\).
Knowing the pH can help you find the pOH, and vice versa. For example, if the pH of a solution is given as 10.88, you can directly calculate its pOH by subtracting the pH from 14:
- This allows chemists to evaluate the balance of acid and base in a solution.
- The relationship helps in determining the concentrations of ions in the solution.
Equilibrium Constant (Kb)
The equilibrium constant for a weak base, denoted \(K_{\text{b}}\), quantifies how far the equilibrium of a weak base reaction proceeds. The equilibrium expression for a generic weak base \(\text{B}\) reacting with water can be written as:
\[ \text{B} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{BH}^+ + \text{OH}^- \]
The equilibrium constant \(K_{\text{b}}\) is given by:
\[ K_{\text{b}} = \frac{[\text{BH}^+][\text{OH}^-]}{[\text{B}]} \]
This expression provides a ratio that indicates the strength of a weak base: a higher \(K_{\text{b}}\) means a stronger base.
\[ \text{B} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{BH}^+ + \text{OH}^- \]
The equilibrium constant \(K_{\text{b}}\) is given by:
\[ K_{\text{b}} = \frac{[\text{BH}^+][\text{OH}^-]}{[\text{B}]} \]
This expression provides a ratio that indicates the strength of a weak base: a higher \(K_{\text{b}}\) means a stronger base.
- \(K_{\text{b}}\) is determined experimentally and varies for different bases.
- It allows us to calculate ion concentrations given an initial concentration of the weak base.
Hydroxide Ion Concentration
The concentration of hydroxide ions \([\text{OH}^-]\) is pivotal in determining the basicity of a solution. For weak bases, the ionization in water results in the release of \(\text{OH}^-\) ions, which in turn affects the pOH and pH of the solution.
Hydroxide ion concentration can be calculated when the pOH is known using the expression:
\[ [\text{OH}^-] = 10^{-\text{pOH}} \]
This formula allows us to transition from the logarithmic scale of pOH to a more tangible concentration value.
Hydroxide ion concentration can be calculated when the pOH is known using the expression:
\[ [\text{OH}^-] = 10^{-\text{pOH}} \]
This formula allows us to transition from the logarithmic scale of pOH to a more tangible concentration value.
- It accounts for the ionization of weak bases and contributes to the equilibrium constant \(K_{\text{b}}\).
- A higher \([\text{OH}^-]\) indicates a more basic solution.