1. What is Hydroxide Ionization?

Hydroxide ionization refers to the process by which bases dissociate in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The concentration of these ions determines the basicity (alkalinity) of a solution.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the hydroxide ionization equation:

Where:

• \( [OH^-] \) — Hydroxide ion concentration (mol/L)
• \( K_w \) — Water ionization constant (1.0×10⁻¹⁴ mol²/L² at 25°C)
• \( [base] \) — Concentration of the base (mol/L)

Explanation: The equation calculates the hydroxide ion concentration produced when a base dissociates in water, using the water ionization constant as a scaling factor.

3. Importance of [OH⁻] Calculation

Details: Knowing hydroxide ion concentration is essential for determining pH, understanding chemical equilibria, and predicting reaction outcomes in aqueous solutions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter Kw in mol²/L² (default is 1.0×10⁻¹⁴ for 25°C) and base concentration in mol/L. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical value of Kw?
A: At 25°C, Kw is 1.0×10⁻¹⁴ mol²/L², but it varies with temperature.

Q2: How does [OH⁻] relate to pH?
A: pH = 14 - pOH, where pOH = -log[OH⁻]. Higher [OH⁻] means higher pH (more basic).

Q3: Does this work for all bases?
A: This simplified equation works best for strong bases that completely dissociate in water.

Q4: Why does Kw matter in this calculation?
A: Kw represents the equilibrium between water's self-ionization (H₂O ⇌ H⁺ + OH⁻) and affects the final [OH⁻] concentration.

Q5: What if my base is weak?
A: For weak bases, you would need to use the base dissociation constant (Kb) in a more complex calculation.