Question

If \(1000 \mathrm{NaOH}\) units were dissolved in a sample of water, the NaOH would produce ________ \(\mathrm{Na}^{+}\) ions and ________ \(\mathrm{OH}^{-}\) ions.

Short answer

The dissolution of 1000 units of NaOH in water will produce \(1000 \mathrm{Na^{+}}\) ions and \(1000 \mathrm{OH^{-}}\) ions.

Step-by-step solution

Write the balanced chemical equation for NaOH dissociation in water

The balanced equation for the dissolution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in water is: \[ \mathrm{NaOH\rightarrow Na^{+}(aq) + OH^{-}(aq)} \] This equation tells us that one unit of NaOH dissociates into one Na+ ion and one OH- ion.

Determine the number of Na+ ions produced

Since there are 1000 units of NaOH dissolved in water and each unit of NaOH produces one Na+ ion, then the number of Na+ ions produced is equal to the number of NaOH units. So, the number of Na+ ions produced is \(1000 \mathrm{Na^{+}}\) ions.

Determine the number of OH- ions produced

Similarly, since each unit of NaOH produces one OH- ion, the number of OH- ions produced is equal to the number of NaOH units. So, the number of OH- ions produced is \(1000 \mathrm{OH^{-}}\) ions.

Final Answer

The dissolution of 1000 units of NaOH in water will produce \(1000 \mathrm{Na^{+}}\) ions and \(1000 \mathrm{OH^{-}}\) ions.

Key concepts

Understanding Dissociation

Dissociation in chemistry refers to the process where molecules or ionic compounds split into smaller particles, such as atoms or ions. When sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is added to water, it undergoes dissociation. This means it breaks apart into its constituent ions. In the case of NaOH, the dissociation can be represented by the equation:\[ \text{NaOH}(s) \rightarrow \text{Na}^{+}(aq) + \text{OH}^{-}(aq) \]This equation illustrates that each unit of NaOH separates into one sodium ion (\(\mathrm{Na}^{+}\)) and one hydroxide ion (\(\mathrm{OH}^{-}\)) in aqueous solution. Dissociation is crucial because it allows ions to participate in chemical reactions, conduct electricity, and affect pH levels. Whenever ionic compounds like NaOH dissolve in water, they dissociate to form free-moving ions that are essential for various chemical processes.

What is Sodium Hydroxide?

Sodium hydroxide, commonly known as lye or caustic soda, is a strong base widely used in industries and laboratories. Its chemical formula is NaOH, indicating it is composed of sodium (Na), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H). NaOH appears as a white, solid, crystalline material that is very soluble in water. Upon dissolution, sodium hydroxide is extremely effective at capturing one hydrogen (H) ion to form water, thus making solutions highly basic. Some interesting applications of sodium hydroxide include:

• Manufacturing of soap and detergents by the process of saponification.
• Processing leather and textiles to provide softness.
• Cleaning agents for tough grease stains, due to its alkaline nature.
• Regulating pH levels in various chemical processes in industries.

Caution must be taken when handling NaOH, as it is corrosive and can cause chemical burns.

The Role and Importance of Ions

Ions are charged particles formed when atoms gain or lose electrons, leading to an imbalance between the number of protons and electrons. In the context of dissolved sodium hydroxide, two types of ions are crucial: the sodium ion (\(\mathrm{Na}^{+}\)) and the hydroxide ion (\(\mathrm{OH}^{-}\)).

• The sodium ion (\(\mathrm{Na}^{+}\)) is a cation, meaning it carries a positive charge. This occurs because the atom loses one electron. Sodium ions are vital in maintaining fluid balance and proper nerve function in biological systems.
• The hydroxide ion (\(\mathrm{OH}^{-}\)) is an anion with a negative charge, formed when it gains an extra electron. Hydroxide ions play a critical role in neutralizing acids, impacting pH levels, and are a key component in various chemical reactions.

Understanding ions and their interactions are fundamental in chemistry. They are involved in electrical conductivity, determining the behavior of solutions, and initiating biochemical reactions. In practical scenarios such as the dissociation of NaOH, ions are the agents of chemical change.