Chapter 16: Problem 76
Predict the \(\mathrm{pH}(>7,<7, \approx 7)\) of a \(\mathrm{NaHCO}_{3}\) solution.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The pH of a NaHCO鈧 solution is greater than 7 (basic).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Nature of NaHCO鈧
Sodium bicarbonate, or NaHCO鈧, is a salt formed from a weak acid (H鈧侰O鈧) and a strong base (NaOH). This usually results in a basic solution when dissolved in water.
02
Dissociation in Water
NaHCO鈧 dissociates into Na鈦 and HCO鈧冣伝 ions in water. HCO鈧冣伝 can further interact with water, resulting in equilibrium with H鈧侰O鈧 and OH鈦 ions, which makes the solution basic.
03
Analyze the Resulting Ions
The bicarbonate ion (HCO鈧冣伝) can act as a base. It can accept a proton to form H鈧侰O鈧 or donate a hydroxide ion (OH鈦), making the solution basic.
04
Consider the pH Scale
The generation of OH鈦 ions causes the solution to have a pH greater than 7, which indicates a basic nature.
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 91影视!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is an intriguing chemical compound with the formula \(\text{NaHCO}_3\). It is a salt comprised of two primary components: sodium ions (\(\text{Na}^+\)) and bicarbonate ions (\(\text{HCO}_3^-\)). These elements form when sodium bicarbonate is dissolved in water. Sodium bicarbonate is produced from the reaction of sodium hydroxide (a strong base) and carbonic acid (a weak acid).
The unique origin of sodium bicarbonate influences its chemical behavior, particularly when it dissolves in water. Because sodium bicarbonate comes from a strong base, it tends to create a solution that leans toward the basic side of the pH scale. Understanding this character is crucial for predicting how various solutions might behave in chemical reactions.
The unique origin of sodium bicarbonate influences its chemical behavior, particularly when it dissolves in water. Because sodium bicarbonate comes from a strong base, it tends to create a solution that leans toward the basic side of the pH scale. Understanding this character is crucial for predicting how various solutions might behave in chemical reactions.
Acid-Base Reactions
Acid-base reactions are fundamental chemical processes that involve the transfer of protons between substances. In the context of sodium bicarbonate, these reactions help us predict the pH of its solutions. The bicarbonate ion (\(\text{HCO}_3^-\)) can participate in these reactions as both an acid and a base, demonstrating a concept known as amphoterism.
When \(\text{HCO}_3^-\) acts as a base, it can accept a proton (\(\text{H}^+\)) to form carbonic acid (\(\text{H}_2\text{CO}_3\)). Conversely, it can act as an acid by donating a hydroxide ion (\(\text{OH}^-\)), which contributes to the basic nature of the solution.
When \(\text{HCO}_3^-\) acts as a base, it can accept a proton (\(\text{H}^+\)) to form carbonic acid (\(\text{H}_2\text{CO}_3\)). Conversely, it can act as an acid by donating a hydroxide ion (\(\text{OH}^-\)), which contributes to the basic nature of the solution.
- The presence of \(\text{OH}^-\) ions increases the pH, shifting the solution towards a basic range.
- The interplay between accepting and donating protons helps maintain a delicate balance in the solution鈥檚 pH level.
Dissociation in Water
Dissolving sodium bicarbonate in water initiates the process of dissociation, a vital step in understanding its influence on pH. When \(\text{NaHCO}_3\) enters an aqueous solution, it separates into sodium ions (\(\text{Na}^+\)) and bicarbonate ions (\(\text{HCO}_3^-\)).
It鈥檚 critical to focus on the bicarbonate ions, as they are the key players in further reactions with water. Bicarbonate ions can react with water to form carbonic acid (\(\text{H}_2\text{CO}_3\)) and hydroxide ions (\(\text{OH}^-\)).
It鈥檚 critical to focus on the bicarbonate ions, as they are the key players in further reactions with water. Bicarbonate ions can react with water to form carbonic acid (\(\text{H}_2\text{CO}_3\)) and hydroxide ions (\(\text{OH}^-\)).
- These hydroxide ions are responsible for increasing the pH, making the solution more basic.
- The equilibrium established by the dissociation and subsequent reactions plays a significant role in determining the ultimate pH of the solution.
Chemical Equilibrium
Chemical equilibrium is a concept that describes a state in which the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate, maintaining a stable concentration of reactants and products.
In the solution of sodium bicarbonate, the balance between bicarbonate ions, water, carbonic acid, and hydroxide ions illustrates chemical equilibrium.
In the solution of sodium bicarbonate, the balance between bicarbonate ions, water, carbonic acid, and hydroxide ions illustrates chemical equilibrium.
- This equilibrium is pivotal in deciding the pH since it determines the concentration of \(\text{OH}^-\) ions in solution.
- A key characteristic of chemical equilibrium is that changes in conditions, like added water or temperature shifts, can disturb this balance, temporarily altering the pH.