Essential Cell Biology, 4th Edition

Published by Garland Science
ISBN 10: 0815344546
ISBN 13: 978-0-81534-454-4

Chapter 2 - Chemical Components of Cells - Questions - Page 50: Question 2-5

Answer

A. Yes, they are present. B. $1.8 x 10^{-9}$

Work Step by Step

A. H$_3$O+ (hydronium) reults from water dissociating into protons and hydroxyl ions. Each proton will bind to a water molecule to form a hydronium ion. (2H$_2$O → H$_2$O + H+ + OH– → H$_3$O+ + OH–). If the pH is neutral and there is a complete lack of acid there will be more H$_3$O+ or a base, meaning there will be more OH- ions. This would mean that the H$_3$O+ and OH- ions would be equal. Being that a pH of 7.0 is as neutral as it gets, the H+ concentration would be $10^{-7}$ M. This concentration is equal to that of the H$_3$O+. B. Knowing the concentration of water molecules will help us discern what the ratio is between the H$_3$O+ and H$_2$O molecules. Being that the molecular weight of water is 18 g/mole and 1 liter of water is 1 kg, the concentration of water would be 55.6 M (1000 [g/l]/[18 g/mole]). So, the ratio is $1.8 x 10^{-9}$, or $10^{-7}/55.6$.
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