Water plays a significant role in our lives. Two molecules of hydrogen along with a single oxygen molecule make the pure form of water. Thus, implying that H2O is the formula for water. Now, this helps us understand the basic chemistry of water. As we move forward, we shall focus on the formula for the ionic product of water, the significance of the ionic product of water and the ionic product of water equation.
Ionic Product of Water
It can be said the pure form of water is weak as an electrolyte. Thus, it can ionise to a limited extent and lead to the production of hydroxyl ions and protons. As water ionisation is only to a limited extent, it can be observed that there are only some water molecules that get dissociated in the form of H+ and OH- ions. Therefore, the molecules of water that are unionised remain mostly constant in concentration.
Here, the constant for equilibrium can be called ‘K’ and explained through the following equation –
- K = (H3O+) (OH-) / (H20)2
- K (H20)2 = (H3O+) (OH-)
Thus, implying
K(H20)2 = Constant = Kw
From the above equations, it can be inferred that
Kw = (H3O+) (OH-)
Which can also be expressed as
Kw = (H+) (OH-)
Thus, one may conclude at a specific temperature, the ionic product of water is called Kw
Kw is the ion-product of water and can be explained as the precise product of the concentration of the hydroxide ions and hydrogen ions. It can further be noted that the Kw ‘s value is very minute as per the reaction which is favouring the reactants.
Further, to understand the value of Kw one can note that according to the experiments at a temperature of twenty-five degrees Celsius the value is 1.0*10-14
Thus, we hope that with this the formula for the ionic product of water, the value for the ionic product of water and the ionic product of water equation has become a little clearer.
For understanding the significance of the ionic product of water, one can first try to understand how the human plasma is similar to an aqueous solution. Now, there are certain rules of chemistry such as the constancy of the ionic product of water and the electrical neutrality principle which are to be obeyed. With the help of these rules, one can understand the balance of acid-base in the body. As per the principle of electroneutrality, it can be understood that the plasma is supposed to be neutral electrically. Further, there has to be constancy in the ionic product of water. This implies how the hydrogen ions plasma concentration is based upon the plasma ionic composition.
Conclusion
As observed from the above discussion, the understanding of various significant concepts such as the formula for the ionic product of water, the significance of the ionic product of water and the ionic product of water equation can now be understood in a clear and comprehensive manner. The value of Kw that has been determined through experiments is also mentioned. Thus, it can be concluded that with the help of the above sections one can learn about the formula for the ionic product of water, the significance of the ionic product of water and the ionic product of water equation.