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The value of the ionisation constant, $K_w$, of a sample of pure water at different temperatures is shown in the graph below - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 8 - 2009 - Paper 1

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The value of the ionisation constant, $K_w$, of a sample of pure water at different temperatures is shown in the graph below. $K_w \approx 10^{-15} \, (mol^2 \, L^{... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The value of the ionisation constant, $K_w$, of a sample of pure water at different temperatures is shown in the graph below - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 8 - 2009 - Paper 1

Step 1

The pH decreases and the water remains neutral.

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Answer

As the temperature of water increases, the ionisation constant KwK_w also increases. This results in greater concentrations of hydrogen ions, [H+][H^+], and hydroxide ions, [OH][OH^-]. Since pure water's neutrality is defined by the equality of [H+][H^+] and [OH][OH^-], the increase in ionisation leads to a rise in [H+][H^+]. Consequently, the pH, which is given by the equation

pH=log[H+]pH = -\log[H^+]

will decrease as more hydrogen ions are present, suggesting the water remains neutral but with a lower pH, affirming option B.

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