Question

For a given aqueous solution, if \(\left[\mathrm{H}^{+}\right]=2.07 \times 10^{-11} \mathrm{M},\) what is \(\left[\mathrm{H}^{+}\right] ?\)

Short answer

The concentration of \( \left[\mathrm{H}^{+}\right] \) is \( 2.07 \times 10^{-11} \mathrm{M} \).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Given Information

We are given that the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution is \( \left[\mathrm{H}^{+}\right]=2.07 \times 10^{-11} \text{ M} \).

Restate the Question

The question asks us to determine \( \left[\mathrm{H}^{+}\right] \), which has already been provided as \( 2.07 \times 10^{-11} \text{ M} \). This seems to be a straightforward confirmation of the provided value.

Key concepts

Understanding Hydrogen Ion Concentration

Hydrogen ion concentration is a key concept in understanding how acidic or basic a solution is. It is often represented by the symbol \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\). The concentration tells us the amount of hydrogen ions present in a given volume of solution, usually measured in moles per liter (M). It's crucial because:

• It determines the solution's pH, which indicates its acidity or basicity.
• A lower \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) concentration means the solution is more basic (higher pH).
• A higher \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) concentration means the solution is more acidic (lower pH).

For the given exercise, knowing that \(\left[\mathrm{H}^{+}\right] = 2.07 \times 10^{-11}\text{ M}\) helps us understand that the solution is likely quite basic, as its \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\) concentration is relatively low.

Characteristics of Aqueous Solutions

An aqueous solution is simply a solution where water is the solvent. It's the most common medium in chemistry as many reactions occur in this environment. Aqueous solutions have some key characteristics:

• Water's ability to dissolve many substances due to its polar nature.
• Its role as a medium where ions, like \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\), can move freely and react with other substances.
• Universal solvent properties make it essential for most chemical reactions, especially in biological processes.

In the given exercise, recognizing that the hydrogen ion concentration is measured within an aqueous solution explains why the measurement is given in terms of molarity (M). This unit of concentration is standard for solutions where water is the solvent.

Approaching Chemistry Problem Solving

Chemistry problem solving involves following a logical and structured approach to find answers. Even when exercises seem straightforward, like verifying a provided hydrogen ion concentration:

• Start by carefully identifying what is given and what needs to be found. This prevents unnecessary mistakes.
• Understand the context of the problem—knowing that we're dealing with an aqueous solution can influence how the solution is approached.
• Always double-check assumptions and outcomes to ensure accuracy, even if the solution appears simple.

In our example, the exercise seems to ask for a reconfirmation of the given hydrogen ion concentration, showcasing how sometimes the answer is truly straightforward. However, practicing the problem-solving steps enhances understanding and builds confidence in handling more complex scenarios.