Kw is the equilibrium constant for the self-dissociation of water .
It is the equilibrium constant for :
H2O = H+ + OH-
Kw = [H+][OH-]
From the equation we see that there is a 1:1 mole ratio of H+ to OH- ions.
So [OH-] = [H+] for pure water only
Thus Kw = [H+]^2
As the temperature is increased more water molecules acquire enough kinetic energy to dissociate ( break apart) as a result of increased intermolecular collisions associated with the increased temperature.
Thus at 25 degrees celsius Kw is 1.00 x 10^-14 and at 50 degrees celsius Kw is 5.476 x 10^-14
Now pKw = - log Kw = - log ([H+][OH-])
using the laws of logs we can show that
pKw = pH + pOH
but since [H+] = [OH-] for pure water
pH = pOH for pure water as well
Thus pKw = 2pH for pure water only
So at 25 degrees celsius , pKw = - log (1.00 x 10-14) =14
and thus 14 = 2pH so pH = 7 at 25 degrees celsius
At 50 degrees celsius , pKw = - log (5.476 x 10^-14) = 13.26
So 13.26 = 2pH and thus pH = 6.63 at a pH of 50 degrees celsius.
Thus, the pH of pure water decreases from 7.00 at 25 degrees celsius to 6.63 at 50 degrees celsius.
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