Ranking Alkaline Solutions

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 24 views

Introduction

In chemistry, the pH and pOH values are crucial in determining the alkalinity or acidity of a solution. pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution, while pOH is a measure of the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-). In this article, we will explore the ranking of alkaline solutions based on their pH and pOH values.

Understanding pH and pOH

pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, expressed in moles per liter (M). It is calculated using the formula:

pH = -log[H+]

pOH, on the other hand, is defined as the negative logarithm of the concentration of hydroxide ions in a solution, expressed in moles per liter (M). It is calculated using the formula:

pOH = -log[OH-]

Ranking Alkaline Solutions

To rank the alkaline solutions from most alkaline to least alkaline, we need to calculate their pH and pOH values. Let's start by analyzing each solution:

1. $pOH = 0.5$

To calculate the pH value of this solution, we can use the relationship between pH and pOH:

pH + pOH = 14

Rearranging the equation to solve for pH, we get:

pH = 14 - pOH = 14 - 0.5 = 13.5

Therefore, the pH value of this solution is 13.5.

2. $pH = 3.5$

This solution has a pH value of 3.5, which is acidic, not alkaline. Therefore, it should be ranked as the least alkaline solution.

3. $\left[ OH^{-} \right] = 5.62 \times 10^{-5} M$

To calculate the pOH value of this solution, we can use the formula:

pOH = -log[OH-] = -log(5.62 \times 10^{-5}) = 4.25

Using the relationship between pH and pOH, we can calculate the pH value of this solution:

pH + pOH = 14 pH = 14 - pOH = 14 - 4.25 = 9.75

Therefore, the pH value of this solution is 9.75.

4. $\left[ H_3O^{+} \right] = 3.16 \times 10^{-7} M$

To calculate the pH value of this solution, we can use the formula:

pH = -log[H+] = -log(3.16 \times 10^{-7}) = 6.5

Using the relationship between pH and pOH, we can calculate the pOH value of this solution:

pOH = 14 - pH = 14 - 6.5 = 7.5

Therefore, the pOH value of this solution is 7.5.

5. $pH = 7$

This solution has a pH value of 7, which is neutral, not alkaline. Therefore, it should be ranked as the least alkaline solution.

Ranking the Solutions

Based on the pH and pOH values calculated above, we can rank the alkaline solutions from most alkaline to least alkaline as follows:

$pOH = 0.5$ (pH = 13.5)
$\left[ OH^{-} \right] = 5.62 \times 10^{-5} M$ (pH = 9.75)
$\left[ H_3O^{+} \right] = 3.16 \times 10^{-7} M$ (pH = 6.5)
$pH = 3.5$ (acidic)
$pH = 7$ (neutral)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ranking of alkaline solutions from most alkaline to least alkaline is based on their pH and pOH values. The solution with the highest pH value is the most alkaline, while the solution with the lowest pH value is the least alkaline. Understanding the pH and pOH values of a solution is crucial in determining its alkalinity or acidity.

References

pH and pOH values are calculated using the formulas: pH = -log[H+] and pOH = -log[OH-].
The relationship between pH and pOH is given by: pH + pOH = 14.
The pH and pOH values of a solution can be used to determine its alkalinity or acidity.
Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding pH and pOH Values ===========================================================

Q: What is pH and pOH?

A: pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in a solution, while pOH is a measure of the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-). pH is calculated using the formula: pH = -log[H+], and pOH is calculated using the formula: pOH = -log[OH-].

Q: What is the relationship between pH and pOH?

A: The relationship between pH and pOH is given by: pH + pOH = 14. This means that the sum of the pH and pOH values of a solution is always 14.

Q: How do I calculate the pH value of a solution?

A: To calculate the pH value of a solution, you need to know the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the solution. You can use the formula: pH = -log[H+] to calculate the pH value.

Q: How do I calculate the pOH value of a solution?

A: To calculate the pOH value of a solution, you need to know the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) in the solution. You can use the formula: pOH = -log[OH-] to calculate the pOH value.

Q: What is the pH value of a solution with a pOH value of 0.5?

A: To calculate the pH value of a solution with a pOH value of 0.5, you can use the relationship between pH and pOH: pH + pOH = 14. Rearranging the equation to solve for pH, you get: pH = 14 - pOH = 14 - 0.5 = 13.5.

Q: What is the pOH value of a solution with a pH value of 3.5?

A: To calculate the pOH value of a solution with a pH value of 3.5, you can use the relationship between pH and pOH: pH + pOH = 14. Rearranging the equation to solve for pOH, you get: pOH = 14 - pH = 14 - 3.5 = 10.5.

Q: What is the pH value of a solution with a concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) of 5.62 x 10^-5 M?

A: To calculate the pH value of a solution with a concentration of hydroxide ions (OH-) of 5.62 x 10^-5 M, you can use the formula: pOH = -log[OH-] = -log(5.62 x 10^-5) = 4.25. Then, you can use the relationship between pH and pOH: pH + pOH = 14 to calculate the pH value: pH = 14 - pOH = 14 - 4.25 = 9.75.

Q: What is the pOH value of a solution with a concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) of 3.16 x 10^-7 M?

A: To calculate the pOH value of a solution with a concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) of 3.16 x 10^-7 M, you can use the formula: pH = -log[H+] = -log(3.16 x 10^-7) = 6.5. Then, you can use the relationship between pH and pOH: pH + pOH = 14 to calculate the pOH value: pOH = 14 - pH = 14 - 6.5 = 7.5.

Q: What is the pH value of a solution with a pH value of 7?

A: A solution with a pH value of 7 is neutral, meaning it has an equal concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). Therefore, the pH value of a solution with a pH value of 7 is 7.

Q: What is the pOH value of a solution with a pH value of 3.5?

A: A solution with a pH value of 3.5 is acidic, meaning it has a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) than hydroxide ions (OH-). Therefore, the pOH value of a solution with a pH value of 3.5 is greater than 14 - 3.5 = 10.5.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding pH and pOH values is crucial in determining the alkalinity or acidity of a solution. By using the formulas: pH = -log[H+] and pOH = -log[OH-], and the relationship between pH and pOH: pH + pOH = 14, you can calculate the pH and pOH values of a solution and determine its alkalinity or acidity.