In the laboratory, a general chemistry student measured the pH of a 0.486 M aqueous solution of triethanolamine, C6H15O3N to be 10.740. Use the information she obtained to determine the Kb for this base.

Kb = 6.22x10⁻⁷

Explanation:

Triethanolamine, C₆H₁₅O₃N, is in equilibrium with water:

C₆H₁₅O₃N(aq) + H₂O(l) ⇄ C₆H₁₅O₃NH⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq)

Kb is defined from concentrations in equilibrium, thus:

Kb = [C₆H₁₅O₃NH⁺] [OH⁻] / [C₆H₁₅O₃N]

The equilibrium concentration of these compounds could be written as:

[C₆H₁₅O₃N] = 0.486M - X

[C₆H₁₅O₃NH⁺] = X

[OH⁻] = X

pH is -log [H⁺], thus, [H⁺] = 10^-pH = 1.820x10⁻¹¹M

Also, Kw = [OH⁻] ₓ [H⁺];

1x10⁻¹⁴ = [OH⁻] ₓ [H⁺]

1x10⁻¹⁴ = [OH⁻] ₓ [1.820x10⁻¹¹M]

5.495x10⁻⁴M = [OH⁻], that means X = 5.495x10⁻⁴M

Replacing in Kb formula:

Kb = [5.495x10⁻⁴M] [5.495x10⁻⁴M] / [0.486M-5.495x10⁻⁴M]

Kb = 6.22x10⁻⁷

conduction is the transfer of thermal energy (heat in transfer) due to collisions between the molecules in the object. collisions between adjacent atoms and molecules transfer kinetic energy from the warmer to the cooler object. the objects must be in physical contact.