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Definition: This calculator determines the concentration of hydroxyl ions (OH⁻) in a solution based on its pOH value.
Purpose: It helps chemists and students quickly convert between pOH and hydroxyl ion concentration, which is essential for acid-base calculations.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The pOH value is converted back to hydroxyl ion concentration using the inverse logarithmic relationship.
Details: Knowing hydroxyl ion concentration is crucial for understanding solution basicity, calculating pH, and predicting chemical behavior in aqueous solutions.
Tips: Simply enter the pOH value (typically between 0-14 for aqueous solutions) and click calculate.
Q1: What is the relationship between pOH and pH?
A: In aqueous solutions at 25°C, pH + pOH = 14. This relationship allows conversion between hydrogen and hydroxyl ion concentrations.
Q2: What does a pOH of 7 mean?
A: A pOH of 7 indicates a neutral solution where [OH⁻] = 1 × 10⁻⁷ mol/L, equal to the [H⁺] in pure water.
Q3: How does temperature affect pOH?
A: The pH/pOH scale changes slightly with temperature as the water ionization constant (Kw) changes. The neutral point is not 7 at all temperatures.
Q4: Can pOH be negative?
A: Yes, for very concentrated strong base solutions where [OH⁻] > 1 mol/L, pOH becomes negative.
Q5: How precise are the calculations?
A: The calculator provides results to 10 decimal places, though practical measurements rarely exceed 3-4 significant figures.