Question

Which solution would have a higher concentration of [OH⁻]? (Hint: Write out your Kᵦ expressions for these two.)

a) Solution with Kᵦ = 1.2 × 10⁻⁹
b) Solution with Kᵦ = 5.3 × 10⁻¹¹
c) Cannot be determined
d) Both solutions have equal [OH⁻] concentration

Answer 1

Solution a, with a base dissociation constant (Kᵅ) of 1.2 × 10⁻⁹, will have a higher concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) compared to solution b with Kᵅ = 5.3 × 10⁻¹¹.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student has asked which solution will have a higher concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻). To determine this, we consider the values of the base dissociation constant (Kᵅ) given for two solutions.

Solution a has a Kᵅ = 1.2 × 10⁻⁹, while solution b has a Kᵅ = 5.3 × 10⁻¹¹. The larger the value of Kᵅ, the more the equilibrium lies to the right, favoring the production of OH⁻ ions. Therefore, solution a, with the larger Kᵅ, will have a higher concentration of OH⁻ ions compared to solution b. Hence, the correct answer is a) Solution with Kᵅ = 1.2 × 10⁻⁹.