Answer :
Answer:
The approximate hydronium ion concentration and hydroxide ion concentration in bleach is typically in the range of [tex]\(10^{-5}\)[/tex] to [tex]\(10^{-3}\)[/tex] moles per liter (M)
The hydroxide ion concentration is higher than the hydronium ion concentration in bleach.
Explanation:
Bleach is typically composed of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), and undergoes hydrolysis in water to produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). The equilibrium reaction is as follows:
[tex]\[ \text{NaClO} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons \text{HOCl} + \text{NaOH} \][/tex]
From this reaction, hydroxide ions [tex](\( \text{OH}^- \))[/tex] are produced. However, since bleach is a basic solution, hydroxide ions are often present due to the dissociation of sodium hydroxide [tex](\( \text{NaOH} \))[/tex] that is commonly used as a stabilizer in bleach formulations.
The concentration of hydroxide ions [tex](\( \text{OH}^- \))[/tex] in bleach can vary depending on the concentration of sodium hydroxide added and the extent of hydrolysis of sodium hypochlorite. Generally, the concentration of hydroxide ions in bleach solutions is relatively low, typically in the range of [tex]\(10^{-5}\)[/tex] to [tex]\(10^{-3}\)[/tex] moles per liter (M).
On the other hand, the concentration of hydronium ions [tex](\( \text{H}_3\text{O}^+ \))[/tex] can be calculated from the equilibrium expression for the hydrolysis of hypochlorous acid [tex](\( \text{HOCl} \))[/tex]:
[tex]\[ K_{\text{a}} = \frac{[\text{H}_3\text{O}^+][\text{OCl}^-]}{[\text{HOCl}]} \][/tex]
Given that bleach is basic, the concentration of hypochlorous acid is expected to be relatively low compared to the concentration of hypochlorite ions [tex](\( \text{OCl}^- \))[/tex]. Therefore, the concentration of hydronium ions in bleach is generally very low, often negligible compared to the concentration of hydroxide ions.
Basically, the hydroxide ion concentration is higher than the hydronium ion concentration in bleach.
Hope this helps!
