What Happens When You Mix a pH 8 Base with a pH 14 Base?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mixing of two bases, one with a pH of 8 and another with a pH of 14, and the implications for the final pH of the mixture. Participants explore the factors that influence the resulting pH, including concentrations, volumes, and the nature of the bases involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the final pH will depend on the concentrations of the bases and the pK values, indicating that the resulting pH will be somewhere between 8 and 14.
  • It is noted that the volume of each base mixed is also a significant factor in determining the final pH.
  • One participant argues that the pH mixing follows a non-linear formula due to the logarithmic nature of the pH scale, highlighting that each unit change in pH represents a tenfold change in hydroxide concentration.
  • Another participant raises a question about the hydrolysis of the weak base with a pH of 8, suggesting that its behavior may change in the presence of a strong base.
  • There is a contention regarding the classification of a base with a pH of 8 as weak, with some asserting that it can be strong but diluted, while others maintain it is weak in relative terms to a pH of 14 base.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the final pH or the classification of the base with a pH of 8. Multiple competing views remain regarding the effects of concentration, volume, and the nature of the bases involved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the complexity of pH mixing, including the need for specific concentration values and the potential for non-linear interactions, which are not fully resolved in the conversation.

Serene_Chaos
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Say i were to mix a basewith a pH of say 8, with a pH 14. what would my final pH be? 11?
 
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Serene_Chaos said:
Say i were to mix a basewith a pH of say 8, with a pH 14. what would my final pH be? 11?

it depends upon the concentrations of each, and the pK of the bases - but it is safe to say that your pH will be somewhere between 8-14.

the exact pH will follow the Henderson-Hasselbach eq.
 
...and of course, the volume of each base matters.
 
It would *have* to follow a non-linear mixing formula, since the pH number is logarythmic. pH9 is 10x more alkaline than pH8; pH10 is 10x more alkaline than pH9.
 
a base with a pH of 8 is very weak, do you think that the weak base will hydrolyze more or less when there already exists a significant concentration of hydroxide (consider this problem in terms of rates). I'll explain the specifics later.
 
GCT said:
a base with a pH of 8 is very weak

Not necessarilly. It can be strong, but diluted.
 
Say i were to mix a basewith a pH of say 8, with a pH 14. what would my final pH be? 11?

in the relative sense, as mentioned in the original post, yes it would be very weak...compared to one which would register a pH of 14.
 

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