The answer is B (decreasing the temperature).
When the temperature decreases, the equilibrium constant for the autoionization of water (Kw) will decrease. The equation for the autoionization of water is:
2H2O ⇌ H3O+ + OH-
Kw = [H3O+][OH-]
Since Kw is a constant at a specific temperature, when the temperature decreases, the value of Kw will decrease. As a result, the concentration of H3O+ (hydronium ions) and OH- (hydroxide ions) in the solution will decrease as well.
A decrease in the concentration of H3O+ and OH- ions will lead to an increase in pH. pH is a measure of the concentration of H3O+ ions in a solution. As the concentration of H3O+ ions decreases due to the decrease in temperature and subsequent decrease in Kw, the pH of the solution will increase.
What will cause the pH to increase and the Kwto decrease?
increasing the temperature
decreasing the temperature
adding a strong base
adding a strong acid
why is the answer B
1 answer