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Multiple Choice
What is the pH of a neutral solution at a temperature where Kw = 2.3 x 10^-14?
A
6.00
B
7.00
C
6.65
D
7.35
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the pH of a neutral solution is determined by the concentration of hydrogen ions [H⁺] which is equal to the concentration of hydroxide ions [OH⁻]. In a neutral solution, [H⁺] = [OH⁻].
Recall that the ion product of water (Kw) is the product of the concentrations of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions: Kw = [H⁺][OH⁻].
Given that Kw = 2.3 x 10^-14, and knowing that [H⁺] = [OH⁻] in a neutral solution, set up the equation: [H⁺]^2 = Kw.
Solve for [H⁺] by taking the square root of Kw: [H⁺] = √(2.3 x 10^-14).
Calculate the pH using the formula pH = -log[H⁺]. Substitute the value of [H⁺] obtained from the previous step into this formula to find the pH of the neutral solution.