1. What is Intrinsic Carrier Concentration?

The intrinsic carrier concentration (n_i) in water represents the concentration of H⁺ and OH^- ions in pure water at equilibrium. It's calculated from the ionic product of water (K_w) and the activity coefficient (γ).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the equation:

Where:

• \( n_i \) — Intrinsic carrier concentration (mol/L)
• \( K_w \) — Ionic product of water (mol²/L²)
• \( \gamma \) — Activity coefficient (unitless)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the dissociation of water and the non-ideal behavior of ions in solution through the activity coefficient.

3. Importance of n_i Calculation

Details: Knowing the intrinsic carrier concentration is essential for understanding water's electrical conductivity, pH calculations, and solution thermodynamics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter K_w in mol²/L² (default is 1.0×10^-14 at 25°C), activity coefficient (typically 1 for dilute solutions), and temperature for reference.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the typical value of K_w?
A: At 25°C, K_w ≈ 1.0×10^-14 mol²/L². It increases with temperature.

Q2: When should I use an activity coefficient less than 1?
A: For concentrated solutions (>0.01M) where ionic interactions become significant.

Q3: How does temperature affect n_i?
A: Higher temperatures increase K_w and thus increase n_i.

Q4: What are typical n_i values?
A: For pure water at 25°C, n_i ≈ 1.0×10^-7 mol/L (or ~6.02×10¹⁹ /m³).

Q5: Can this be used for other solvents?
A: No, this calculator is specific to water. Other solvents have different dissociation constants.