Answer:
The pH of the solution is 12.78.
Explanation:
The pOH (or potential OH) is a measure of the basicity or alkalinity of a solution. The pOH is defined as the negative logarithm of the activity of the hydroxide ions. That is, the concentration of OH- ions:
pOH= - log [OH-]
On the other side, Molarity or Molar Concentration is the number of moles of solute that are dissolved in a certain volume. Molarity is calculated as:
Molarity is expressed in units:
In this case, the solution is prepared by mixing 100 ml (equal to 0.1 L, where 1000 mL = 1 L) of Ca(OH)₂ 0.020 M with 50 ml (equal to 0.05 L) of 0.100 M NaOH. Then, Ca(OH)₂ and NaOH are strong bases, so they dissociate completely. In the case of the first hydroxide, for each mole of Ca(OH)₂,
form two moles of OH-. In the case of sodium hydroxide, for each mole of hydroxide, one mole of OH- is formed. So, taking into account the definition of molarity, the number of moles of OH- that each hydroxide contributes to the solution is calculated as:
From Ca(OH)₂: 0.1 L* 0.02 M*2 = 0.004 moles
From NaOH: 0.05 L* 0.1 M= 0.005 moles
So, the amount of total moles of OH- is the sum that each hydroxide contributes to the solution: 0.004 moles + 0.005 moles= 0.009 moles
On the other hand, volumes are additive. Then: 0.1 L + 0.05 L= 0.15 L
Replacing in the definition of molarity the number of moles and the volume:
Solving:
[OH-]= 0.06
Replacing in the definition of pOH:
pOH= - log 0.06
pOH= 1.22
The following relationship can be established between pH and pOH:
pH + pOH= 14
Being pOH= 1.22 and replacing:
pH + 1.22= 14
pH= 14 - 1.22
pH= 12.78
<u><em>The pH of the solution is 12.78.</em></u>