Equimolar solutions of the following substances were prepared separate...
Equimolar Solutions and pHEquimolar solutions are solutions that contain the same number of moles of solute in a given volume of solvent. In this case, equimolar solutions of LiCl, BeCl2, BaCl2, and AlCl3 have been prepared separately. We need to determine which of these substances will have the highest pH value.
pH and AciditypH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution. It is defined as the negative logarithm (base 10) of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the solution. A lower pH value indicates a higher concentration of H+ ions and a more acidic solution, while a higher pH value indicates a lower concentration of H+ ions and a more basic (alkaline) solution.
Factors Affecting pHThe pH of a solution is determined by the concentration of H+ ions. In general, ionic compounds dissociate in water to release their constituent ions. The pH of a solution containing an ionic compound depends on the nature and concentration of the ions produced upon dissociation.
Dissociation of Ionic CompoundsLithium chloride (LiCl) dissociates into Li+ and Cl- ions. Since Li+ is a small and highly charged cation, it has a high affinity for water molecules. This leads to the formation of hydronium ions (H3O+), which contribute to the acidity of the solution. Therefore, LiCl will contribute to a lower pH value.
Beryllium chloride (BeCl2) also dissociates into Be2+ and Cl- ions. However, Be2+ is much smaller and more highly charged than Li+. It has an even higher affinity for water molecules and will form hydronium ions more readily. Therefore, BeCl2 will contribute to an even lower pH value than LiCl.
Barium chloride (BaCl2) dissociates into Ba2+ and Cl- ions. Ba2+ is a larger cation with a lower charge density compared to Li+ and Be2+. It has a weaker affinity for water molecules and is less likely to form hydronium ions. Therefore, BaCl2 will contribute to a higher pH value compared to LiCl and BeCl2.
Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) dissociates into Al3+ and Cl- ions. Al3+ is smaller and more highly charged than Ba2+, but it still has a weaker affinity for water molecules compared to Li+ and Be2+. Therefore, AlCl3 will contribute to a higher pH value compared to LiCl and BeCl2, but lower than BaCl2.
ConclusionIn conclusion, among the equimolar solutions of LiCl, BeCl2, BaCl2, and AlCl3, BaCl2 will have the highest pH value. This is because Ba2+ has a weaker affinity for water molecules compared to Li+, Be2+, and Al3+, resulting in a lower concentration of hydronium ions and a higher pH value.