Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the calculation of hydroxide ion concentration, [OH-], from the ion product of water, Kw, specifically at a temperature of 50°C. Participants explore the conditions under which the square root of Kw can be used to determine [OH-], considering the context of pure water versus other potential solutions.
Discussion Character
- Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant suggests that taking the square root of Kw should yield the concentration of [OH-], using the value of Kw at 50°C.
- Another participant points out that this approach is valid only for pure water, implying that additional context may affect the calculation.
- A participant questions whether the lack of additional information in the problem affects the calculation of [OH-].
- One participant reiterates the definition of Kw as the product of [H+] and [OH-], suggesting that if [H+] equals [OH-], then [OH-] can indeed be calculated as the square root of Kw.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the square root of Kw can be applied in this scenario without additional information. There is uncertainty regarding the implications of "the above solution" and whether it affects the calculation.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights the assumption that [H+] equals [OH-] in pure water, but does not resolve how other factors might influence the calculation of [OH-] in different solutions.