Question

At the normal body temperature of a human, 37 C, the equilibrium constant for the dissociation of water is higher than it is at 25 °C, as shown in the equilibrium expression. Kw= [H+ ][H2O]= 2.42 x 10 -14 a. water is neutral because the hydrogen and hydroxide ion concentrations are equal c. water is acidic because the hydrogen ion concentration is greater than 1x10 -7 M b. water is basic because the hydroxide ion concentration is greater than 1x10 -7 M d. water is neutral because the hydrogen and the hydroxide ion concentrations are each 1x10 -7 M

The correct answer is b. water is basic because the hydroxide ion concentration is greater than 1x10^-7 M.

At 37°C, the equilibrium constant for water dissociation (Kw) is 2.42 × 10^-14. This means that the product of the hydrogen ion concentration ([H⁺]) and hydroxide ion concentration ([OH⁻]) in water at 37°C is 2.42 × 10^-14.

Since water is amphoteric, it can act as both an acid and a base. In pure water, the concentration of hydrogen ions is equal to the concentration of hydroxide ions, and the solution is neutral. However, when the temperature of water is increased, the equilibrium constant for water dissociation increases, and the concentration of hydroxide ions becomes greater than the concentration of hydrogen ions. This means that water becomes slightly basic at higher temperatures.

Therefore, at 37°C, water is basic because the hydroxide ion concentration is greater than 1x10^-7 M.

Answer 1

At 37°C, water is slightly basic because the hydroxide ion concentration is greater than the hydrogen ion concentration. This is due to the increase in the equilibrium constant for water dissociation at higher temperatures.

Step-by-step explanation:

At 37°C, the equilibrium constant for water dissociation (Kw) is 2.42 × 10^-14. This means that the product of the hydrogen ion concentration ([H⁺]) and hydroxide ion concentration ([OH⁻]) in water at 37°C is 2.42 × 10^-14.

Since water is amphoteric, it can act as both an acid and a base. In pure water, the concentration of hydrogen ions is equal to the concentration of hydroxide ions, and the solution is neutral. However, when the temperature of water is increased, the equilibrium constant for water dissociation increases, and the concentration of hydroxide ions becomes greater than the concentration of hydrogen ions. This means that water becomes slightly basic at higher temperatures.

Therefore, at 37°C, water is basic because the hydroxide ion concentration is greater than 1x10^-7 M.