Chemistry, 2nd Edition Season 1 Episode 28

Ep 28. The Self-Ionization of Water

  • TV-PG
  • July 20, 2009
  • 30 min

In Chemistry, 2nd Edition season 1 episode 28, titled "The Self-Ionization of Water," viewers are taken on a deep dive into the inner workings of one of the most important molecules on Earth: water. Hosted by a team of expert chemists, this episode explores the fascinating phenomenon of the self-ionization of water, which is the process by which water molecules can dissociate into hydrogen (H+) and hydroxide (OH-) ions.

The episode begins with a primer on what water is and why it's so important for life on Earth. Viewers learn that water is a simple molecule consisting of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, which are held together by covalent bonds. These bonds give water its unique properties, such as its ability to dissolve many different substances and its high boiling point, which makes it a great solvent for biological processes.

From there, the hosts dive into the science behind water's self-ionization. They show how the hydrogen atoms in water molecules are slightly positive, while the oxygen atom is slightly negative, and how this polarization can lead to the formation of H+ and OH- ions. They explain that while the self-ionization process is relatively rare, it's important for understanding many chemical and biological processes, such as acid-base reactions and pH regulation in the human body.

Throughout the episode, the hosts use a variety of tools and methods to explore the properties of water and its ions. They use pH meters to measure the acidity of different solutions, and they perform experiments to show how the concentration of H+ and OH- ions can vary depending on factors like temperature and pressure. Along the way, they also provide contextual information and historical anecdotes to help viewers better understand the significance of the science they're exploring.

One of the highlights of the episode is a discussion of the role that water plays in the human body. The hosts show how the self-ionization of water is crucial for maintaining the body's pH balance, which in turn affects everything from enzyme activity to hormone production. They also explore how changes in water composition can lead to health problems like kidney stones or acidosis.

Overall, "The Self-Ionization of Water" is a fascinating and informative episode that sheds light on one of the most fundamental aspects of chemistry and biology. By breaking down complex scientific concepts into easy-to-understand terms and providing concrete examples of how those concepts apply to the real world, the hosts make chemistry accessible and engaging for viewers of all backgrounds and experience levels. Whether you're a student looking to improve your understanding of chemistry or simply curious about the science behind everyday life, this episode is sure to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power and complexity of water.

Description
Watch Chemistry, 2nd Edition - The Self-Ionization of Water (s1 e28) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Chemistry, 2nd Edition, Season 1 Episode 28, is available to watch and stream on The Great Courses Signature Collection. You can also buy, rent Chemistry, 2nd Edition on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon online.
  • First Aired
    July 20, 2009
  • Content Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    30 min
  • Language
    English