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A Simple Note on Ionic Product of Water

What do we understand by the formula for the ionic product of water? What is the significance of the ionic product of water? What do we know about the ionic product of the water equation? We will be shedding light on all these topics over here in an interesting and insightful manner.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

What do we know about the formula of water?

Ans. The formula of water can be explained as having two molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen. Thus, it ...Read full

What do we understand about the chemical equation for finding Kw?

Ans. It can be said that at a particular temperature the ionic product of water is known as K...Read full

What is the value of Kw at 25-degree Celsius?

Ans. According to the scientific experiments, the value of Kw ...Read full

How can we represent the equation for the self-ionisation of water?

Ans. For representing the self-ionisation of water in an equation, one can focus on the following equation – ...Read full

At a temperature of 298K what shall be the value of Kw?

Ans. 5 – 1 x 10-14 mol2...Read full