Chemistry: A Molecular Approach (3rd Edition)

Published by Prentice Hall
ISBN 10: 0321809246
ISBN 13: 978-0-32180-924-7

Chapter 15 - Sections 15.1-15.12 - Exercises - Review Questions - Page 745: 14

Answer

When $[H_3O^+]$ increases, $[OH^-]$ decreases. When $[H_3O^+]$ decreases, $[OH^-]$ increases.

Work Step by Step

Looking at the $K_w$'s expression: $[OH^-] * [H_3O^+] = K_w$ Isolating $[OH^-]$: $[OH^-] = \frac{K_w}{[H_3O^+]}$ Since $K_w$ has a constant value, if we decrease $[H_3O^+]$, $[OH^-]$ will increase, and vice versa.
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