Final answer:
To find the pH of a saturated solution of Zn(OH)2 with a given Ksp of 1.8 × 10−14, we calculate the solubility 's', determine the pOH, and then subtract the pOH from 14.00 to obtain the pH.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the pH of a saturated solution of Zn(OH)2, we need to use the solubility product constant (Ksp). For Zn(OH)2, which dissociates into Zn2+ and 2OH- in water, the Ksp expression is:
Ksp = [Zn2+][OH-]2
Given the Ksp is 1.8 × 10−14, if we let 's' represent the solubility of Zn(OH)2, then we have:
[Zn2+] = s
[OH-] = 2s
Plugging these into the Ksp expression, we get:
1.8 × 10−14 = s × (2s)2 = 4s3
Solving for s, we find:
s = −6.50 × 10−5 M
Next, we can calculate the pOH:
pOH = -log(2s) = -log(2 × 6.50 × 10−5)
Finally, we can determine the pH, knowing that at 25 °C:
pH + pOH = 14.00
Therefore, by subtracting the pOH from 14.00, we can find the pH of the solution.