Solveeit Logo

Question

Question: What is the equation for the base ionization constant of \( RbOH \) ?...

What is the equation for the base ionization constant of RbOHRbOH ?

Explanation

Solution

Ionization is the mechanism by which an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons, often in conjunction with other chemical modifications, to gain or lose a negative or positive charge. An ion is the electrically charged atom or molecule that results.

Complete step by step answer:
The inorganic compound RbOHRbOH stands for rubidium hydroxide. It's a colorless solid that can be purchased as aqueous solutions. Rubidium hydroxide, like other strong bases, is extremely corrosive. Bases can be weak or strong, depending on the degree of ionization.
In the aqueous solution, a strong base ionizes entirely. In water, these compounds ionize, yielding one or more hydroxide ions (OH)\left( {O{H^ - }} \right) per base molecule. Stable compounds are formed when strong bases react with strong acids. Soluble metal hydroxide compounds, like potassium hydroxide, are the most common strong bases. Some metal hydroxides are weaker simply due to their inability to dissolve.
The ionization equation of RbOHRbOH , can be written as
RbOH(aq)Rb+(aq)+OH(aq)RbOH\left( {aq} \right) \to R{b^ + }\left( {aq} \right) + O{H^ - }\left( {aq} \right)
The base ionization constant, Kb{K_b} , can be written as follows from the equation:
Kb=[Rb+][OH]RbOH{K_b} = \dfrac{{\left[ {R{b^ + }} \right]\left[ {O{H^ - }} \right]}}{{RbOH}}
The strength of the base is reflected in the numerical value of Kb{K_b} . The stronger the base, the higher the value of Kb{K_b} , and vice versa.
So, the answer is Kb=[Rb+][OH]RbOH{K_b} = \dfrac{{\left[ {R{b^ + }} \right]\left[ {O{H^ - }} \right]}}{{RbOH}} .

Additional Information:
In contrast, a weak base ionizes just slightly in an aqueous solution. Keep in mind that a base is a material that absorbs a hydrogen ion from another substance. When a weak base like ammonia dissolves in water, it accepts an H+{H^ + } ion from the environment, forming the hydroxide ion and the base's conjugate acid, the ammonium ion.

Note:
The alkali metal bases are more potent than the less soluble alkaline earth metal bases. Since the conjugate acid of a strong base is very weak, conclude that the reverse reaction does not occur when writing out the dissociation equation of a strong base.