Module 5 Intro

Module 5—Acids and Bases

Lesson 2—Calculating pH and pOH

 

Get Focused

 

 

Burritos are a tasty food that can easily be prepared at home. One of the important parts of a burrito is the tortilla, which is made from corn. Corn tortillas were prepared by indigenous North American people and demonstrate one way in which plants native to North America were used.

 

In the 1400s and 1500s, European explorers learned about the agriculture and diet of the North American peoples. Within a short time, many cultures around the globe readily incorporated corn-based foods. But there was a problem. Illness seemed to arise in areas that relied too heavily on corn sustenance, occasionally reaching epidemic proportions.

 

These health concerns were a mystery. The indigenous North American people did not display any ill effects from their corn-based diet. So, why were people getting sick? As it turns out, there is a very simple explanation, one that requires knowledge of acid-base chemistry.

 

Essential Questions

• How do you calculate pH, [H3O+(aq)], pOH, and [OH−(aq)]?

Assessment

 

There is no assignment for Lesson 2.

 

You must decide what to do with the questions that are not marked by the teacher.

 

Remember that these questions provide you with the practice and feedback that you need to successfully complete this course. You should respond to all the questions and place those answers in your course folder.

 

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