Where Did I Go Wrong in Calculating Hydroxide Ion Concentration?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of hydroxide ion concentration in an aqueous H2CO3 solution, specifically addressing the participant's confusion regarding their pH calculation and its relation to the hydroxide ion concentration.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents their calculation of pH based on the hydroxide ion concentration, resulting in a pH of 4.3979, and expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their approach.
  • Another participant suggests checking the math and notes that the precision of the result is excessive, implying that rounding could be appropriate.
  • A different participant emphasizes the simplicity of the question, indicating that calculating the hydroxide ion concentration from the given data should be straightforward.
  • There are unrelated posts questioning the naming of the George Washington Bridge, which do not contribute to the main topic of discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of confidence regarding the calculations, with some suggesting the problem is simple while others indicate confusion. There is no consensus on the correctness of the initial calculations or the approach taken.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of potential miscommunication regarding the question posed, as well as varying interpretations of the calculations involved. The relevance of significant figures in the results is also noted but not resolved.

harambe
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Homework Statement


The hydroxide ion concentration in an aques H2CO3 solution is 4X10^{-4}M at 25°C OH- ion concentration in the solution is

Homework Equations



Ph=log(H+ or OH-) [/B]

The Attempt at a Solution



I calculated the PH of H+ in the solution which came to be 4.3979.Considering this to be water solution , I get POH to be 10.602..This doesn't match answer. Where did I go wrong[/B]
 
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harambe said:
which came to be 4.3979

Check your math.

Note: you are showing way too many figures in your results. 4.4 would do here (and would be exactly as wrong as what you wrote).
 
Don't forget to tell us what the question is. Given the concentration of hydroxide ion calculate the OH- concentration is the easiest question I've seen here yet.
 
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epenguin said:
Don't forget to tell us what the question is. Given the concentration of hydroxide ion calculate the OH- concentration is the easiest question I've seen here yet.
Who is the George Washington bridge named after?
 
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Chestermiller said:
Who is the George Washington bridge named after?

GW?
 

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