Answer
These solutions are equally basic.
First solution: $[H_3O^+] = 3.16 \times 10^{-6}M$
Second solution: $[H_3O^+] = 3.16 \times 10^{-6}M$
Work Step by Step
- Let's call the first solution by: (a), and the other by (b).
- To determine which one is more basic, compare the pOH of each one, the one with the lowest pOH is more basic.
(a)
pOH + pH = 14
pOH + 5.5 = 14
pOH = 14 - 5.5 = 8.5
(b)
pOH = 8.5
- Since they have the same pOH, they are equally basic.
- Now, calculate the $[H_3O^+]$:
(a)
$[H_3O^+] = 10^{-pH} = 10^{-5.5} = 3.16 \times 10^{-6}M$
(b)
pH + pOH = 14
pH + 8.5 = 14
pH = 14 - 8.5 = 5.5
$[H_3O^+] = 10^{-pH} = 10^{-5.5} = 3.16 \times 10^{-6}M$
