Chapter 16, Problem 42QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The concentration of the base in its aqueous solution is to be determined when its pH is 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 depends on the concentration of hydroxide ions and the temperature of the solution.

The formula to calculate the concentration of hydroxide ions from its pOH is:

$\left[{\text{OH}}^{-}\right]={10}^{-\text{pOH}}$ …… (1)

The relationship between pH and pOH is:

$\text{pH}+\text{pOH}=14$ …… (2)