Questions: Use the References to access important values if needed for this question. Write a net ionic equation to show why solid potassium hydroxide, KOH(s), forms a basic solution when it dissolves in water.

Use the References to access important values if needed for this question.

Write a net ionic equation to show why solid potassium hydroxide, KOH(s), forms a basic solution when it dissolves in water.

Transcript text: Use the References to access important values if needed for this question. Write a net ionic equation to show why solid potassium hydroxide, $\mathbf{K O H}(\mathbf{s})$, forms a basic solution when it dissolves in water.

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Dissolution of Potassium Hydroxide in Water

When solid potassium hydroxide (KOH) dissolves in water, it dissociates into its constituent ions. The dissolution can be represented by the following equation:

\[ \text{KOH(s)} \rightarrow \text{K}^+(\text{aq}) + \text{OH}^-(\text{aq}) \]

Step 2: Identify the Species Responsible for Basicity

The hydroxide ion ($\text{OH}^-$) is responsible for the basic nature of the solution. In water, the presence of $\text{OH}^-$ ions increases the pH, making the solution basic.

Step 3: Write the Net Ionic Equation

Since the potassium ion ($\text{K}^+$) is a spectator ion and does not participate in the reaction that causes the solution to be basic, it can be omitted from the net ionic equation. The net ionic equation focuses on the formation of hydroxide ions:

\[ \text{KOH(s)} \rightarrow \text{OH}^-(\text{aq}) \]