The Relationship Between pH and Hydrogen Ion Concentration

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 143 views

Introduction to pH and Hydrogen Ion Concentration

pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. It is a crucial concept in chemistry, as it helps us understand the acidity or basicity of a solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral point. A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, while a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution.

The Relationship Between pH and Hydrogen Ion Concentration

The pH of a solution is related to the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the solution. The concentration of hydrogen ions is typically expressed in units of moles per liter (M). The pH of a solution can be calculated using the following formula:

pH = -log[H+]

where [H+] is the concentration of hydrogen ions in moles per liter.

Calculating pH from Hydrogen Ion Concentration

Given a hydrogen ion concentration of $$3.16 \times 10^{-8} M$$, we can calculate the pH of the solution using the formula above.

pH = -log($$3.16 \times 10^{-8} M$$)

To calculate the pH, we need to use a calculator or a logarithm table. The logarithm of $$3.16 \times 10^{-8} M$$ is -7.5.

pH = -(-7.5) pH = 7.5

Interpreting the Results

The calculated pH of 7.5 indicates that the solution is slightly basic. This is because the pH is greater than 7, which is the neutral point on the pH scale.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pH of a solution can be calculated using the concentration of hydrogen ions. By using the formula pH = -log[H+], we can determine the pH of a solution given its hydrogen ion concentration. In this case, a hydrogen ion concentration of $$3.16 \times 10^{-8} M$$ corresponds to a pH of 7.5, indicating a slightly basic solution.

Key Takeaways

pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral point.
A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, while a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution.
The pH of a solution can be calculated using the formula pH = -log[H+].
A hydrogen ion concentration of $$3.16 \times 10^{-8} M$$ corresponds to a pH of 7.5.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pH? pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.
What is the pH scale? The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral point.
How is pH calculated? The pH of a solution can be calculated using the formula pH = -log[H+].
What is the pH of a solution with a hydrogen ion concentration of $$3.16 \times 10^{-8} M$$? The pH of a solution with a hydrogen ion concentration of $$3.16 \times 10^{-8} M$$ is 7.5.

Understanding pH and Hydrogen Ion Concentration

Q&A: pH and Hydrogen Ion Concentration

Q: What is pH?

A: pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.

Q: What is the pH scale?

A: The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral point.

Q: How is pH calculated?

A: The pH of a solution can be calculated using the formula pH = -log[H+], where [H+] is the concentration of hydrogen ions in moles per liter.

Q: What is the pH of a solution with a hydrogen ion concentration of $$3.16 \times 10^{-8} M$$?

A: The pH of a solution with a hydrogen ion concentration of $$3.16 \times 10^{-8} M$$ is 7.5.

Q: What is the difference between pH and pOH?

A: pH and pOH are related but distinct concepts. pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, while pOH is a measure of the concentration of hydroxide ions. The two are related by the equation pH + pOH = 14.

Q: How do I determine if a solution is acidic or basic?

A: To determine if a solution is acidic or basic, you can use the pH scale. A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, while a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution.

Q: What is the pH of a neutral solution?

A: The pH of a neutral solution is 7.

Q: Can pH be greater than 14?

A: No, pH cannot be greater than 14. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral point.

Q: Can pH be less than 0?

A: No, pH cannot be less than 0. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral point.

Q: How do I calculate the pH of a solution with a given pOH?

A: To calculate the pH of a solution with a given pOH, you can use the equation pH + pOH = 14. Rearranging this equation to solve for pH gives pH = 14 - pOH.

Q: What is the pH of a solution with a pOH of 10?

A: To calculate the pH of a solution with a pOH of 10, you can use the equation pH = 14 - pOH. Substituting pOH = 10 into this equation gives pH = 14 - 10 = 4.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral point. A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, while a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution. By understanding the pH scale and how to calculate pH, you can determine the acidity or basicity of a solution.

Key Takeaways

pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being the neutral point.
A pH less than 7 indicates an acidic solution, while a pH greater than 7 indicates a basic solution.
The pH of a solution can be calculated using the formula pH = -log[H+].
A hydrogen ion concentration of $$3.16 \times 10^{-8} M$$ corresponds to a pH of 7.5.
pH and pOH are related but distinct concepts.
The pH of a neutral solution is 7.
pH cannot be greater than 14 or less than 0.
The pH of a solution with a given pOH can be calculated using the equation pH = 14 - pOH.