Chapter 16, Problem 40QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The pOH and pH values of aqueous solutions are to be determined, when the concentrations of bases are given.

Concept introduction:

A strong base is an electrolyte that completely dissociates, when dissolved in water, to produce hydroxide ions and its conjugate acid.

$\text{BOH}\left(aq\right)\to {\text{B}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)+{\text{OH}}^{-}\left(aq\right)$

pOH is the measure of basicity of a solution and pH is the measure of its acidity. They both depend on the concentration of hydroxide ions and hydronium ions, and the temperature of the solution.

The formula to calculate the pOH is:

$\text{pOH}=-\log \left[{\text{OH}}^{-}\right]$ …… (1)

The relationship between pH and pOH is:

$\text{pH}+\text{pOH}=14$ …… (2)