ShmoopTube

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Here’s your Shmoop du jour, brought to you by base.

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It's what Meghan Trainor is all about… [Meghan Trainor on stage singing]

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Okay, here’s our question:

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A saturated solution of calcium hydroxide has a pH of 12.4.

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What is the pOH?

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And here are the potential answers: pH 12.4, eh?

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This problem ought to be pretty…basic. [Ph 12.4 shown on Ph scale]

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Heh.

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Okay, in all seriousness, we know this subject can be tough, but as far as chemistry problems [Boy with chemistry formulas on a chalkboard]

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go, this one’s not too bad.

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The key equation we need to remember for solving this problem is pH plus pOH equals 14.

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This equation is always valid for any aqueous solution, so whenever we know the pH, we can [Hand points to pH and pOH hiding behind bushes]

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easily find the pOH.

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In this case, the pH is 12.4, so our equation becomes 12.4 + pOH = 14.

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A little simple math, and boom.

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Our pOH has to equal 1.6, which is answer choice B.

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That problem was so basic, we’re surprised it wasn’t wearing UGG boots and drinking [Man wearing ugg boots and takes sip of pumpkin latte]

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a pumpkin spice latte…

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…What?

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They're comfy.

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And this tastes like fall in a cup.

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Don't judge.

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