Chapter 16, Problem 65QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The given bases are to be classified as strong or weak.

Concept Introduction:

Bases are substances that ionize when dissolved in water and accept a proton.

Strong bases completely ionize in water and increase the concentration of hydroxide ions more than weak bases, in which case partial dissociation takes place.

For a strong base, the reaction is

${\text{B}}_{\left(\text{aq}\right)}+{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}{\text{O}}_{\left(\text{l}\right)}\to {\text{OH}}^{-}{}_{\left(\text{aq}\right)}+{\text{BH}}^{+}{}_{\left(\text{aq}\right)}$

The reaction of strong bases goes to completion because it dissociates completely.

For a weak base, the reaction is

${\text{B}}_{\left(\text{aq}\right)}+{\text{H}}_2{\text{O}}_{\left(\text{l}\right)}\rightleftharpoons {\text{OH}}^{-}{}_{\left(\text{aq}\right)}+{\text{BH}}^{+}{}_{\left(\text{aq}\right)}$

The reaction of weak bases is an equilibrium reaction because it dissociates partially.