Assuming equal concentrations rank these solutions by pH Hig
Assuming equal concentrations, rank these solutions by pH. Highest pH Lowest pH Sr(OH)2(aq) HCN(aq) NH3(aq) KOH(aq) HCIO4(aq)
Solution
Ans. # HClO4 is a strong acid. So, it’s solution has highest [H+], and in turn, lowest (most acidic) pH.
# Sr(OH)2 is a strong base that gives 2 mol OH- per mol base. Therefore, it’s solution has highest [OH-] and in turn highest (most alkaline) pH.
# KOH is also a strong base that gives 1 mol OH- per mol base. So, this solution has a pH lower than that of Sr(OH)2.
# HCN is a weak acid with pKa of 9.21. NH3 is a weak base with pKa of 38.0.
Lower is the pKa value, stronger is the acid.
So, solution of HCN is acidic than that of NH3.
# So, order of pH (from highest to lowest) is-
(highest pH, most alkaline) Sr(OH)2 > KOH > NH3 > HCN > HClO3 (lowest pH, most acidic)
