Q. 10.26 - An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry

Question

What is the meaning and value of $K_{\mathrm{w}}$ ?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The value of $1\times {10}^{-14}$ in ${\mathrm{K}}_w$ is significant since it applies to any aqueous solution: There are ${\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ ions and ${\mathrm{OH}}^{-}$ ions in all aqueous solutions.

Step 1: Introduction

Water's Ionic Product Water is a weak electrolyte that undergoes only minor self ionization. "The ionic product of water is the product of the concentrations of $H^{+}$ and $O{H}^{-}$ ions in water at a given temperature." $K_w$ is the designation.

Step 2: Explanation

Water is probably ionic product $\left(K_{\omega }\right)$ is the product of the molar concentrations of ${\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ ions and ions (or ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ions and ions). ${\mathrm{K}}_{\omega }={\left[{\mathrm{H}}_3\mathrm{O}\right]}^{+}\left[{\mathrm{OH}}^{-}\right]$ At constant temperature, the ionic product of water remains constant. It has a value of $25°\mathrm{C}(298 \mathrm{K})$ is $1.0\times {10}^{-14}$. The ${\mathrm{K}}_w$ value of $1\times {10}^{-14}$ is significant because it can be applied to any aqueous solution: There are ${\mathrm{H}}_3{\mathrm{O}}^{+}$ions and ${\mathrm{OH}}^{-}$ions in all aqueous solutions.