When the question asks for the qualitative pH of NH3, how would I find the answer?
also, what does it mean when it asks for what species are present in NH3?
When a question asks for a qualitative answer it means a close approximation rather than a precise answer. For NH3 and pH, I would answer "it is basic."
I responded to the species question at a post before this.
oh, okay. Thanks. that makes sense
To find the qualitative pH of NH3, we need to understand that pH measures the acidity or basicity of a substance on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH value less than 7 indicates acidity, a pH value greater than 7 indicates basicity, and a pH of 7 is considered neutral.
NH3, which stands for ammonia, is a weak base due to its ability to accept protons (H+ ions). To determine the qualitative pH of NH3, we will need to consider its behavior when it dissolves in water.
When ammonia dissolves in water, it undergoes a reaction with water molecules to produce ammonium ions (NH4+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). The presence of hydroxide ions indicates that NH3 is a base.
Since NH3 is a weak base and does not fully dissociate in water, the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) formed will be relatively low. Therefore, the pH of NH3 solution will be greater than 7, but not significantly high, indicating a slightly basic (alkaline) solution.
In conclusion, the qualitative pH of NH3 can be deduced as slightly basic or higher than 7.