Answer: Greater than 10-14 (autodissociation is endothermic, favoured by higher T).
- A Greater than 10-14 (autodissociation is endothermic, favoured by higher T)
- B Less than 10-14, since higher temperature suppresses autodissociation
- C Unchanged at exactly 10-14 regardless of temperature
- D Effectively zero, since water barely dissociates at body temperature
Correct answer: A. Greater than 10-14 (autodissociation is endothermic, favoured by higher T)
Explanation: Water autoionisation is endothermic; increasing temperature shifts equilibrium right, increasing Kw above 10-14.
Each water molecule's O-H bonds (covalent, solid) can hydrogen-bond (dashed) to neighbouring molecules, forming an extended network responsible for water's unusually high boiling point and density anomaly.
Concept context
The simplest and most abundant element in the universe. Study its unique position in the periodic table, isotopes (protium, deuterium, tritium), properties of water and hydrogen peroxide, and industrial uses.