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As we have seen, [H+] and [OH−] values can be markedly different from one aqueous solution to another. So chemists defined a new scale that succinctly indicates the concentrations of either of these two ions.
pHThe negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. is a logarithmic function of [H+]:
pH = −log[H+]pH is usually (but not always) between 0 and 14. Knowing the dependence of pH on [H+], we can summarize as follows:
This is known as the pH scaleThe range of values from 0 to 14 that describes the acidity or basicity of a solution.. You can use pH to make a quick determination whether a given aqueous solution is acidic, basic, or neutral.
Label each solution as acidic, basic, or neutral based only on the stated pH.
Solution
Test Yourself
Identify each substance as acidic, basic, or neutral based only on the stated pH.
Answers
Table 12.3 "Typical pH Values of Various Substances*" gives the typical pH values of some common substances. Note that several food items are on the list, and most of them are acidic.
Table 12.3 Typical pH Values of Various Substances*
Substance | pH |
---|---|
stomach acid | 1.7 |
lemon juice | 2.2 |
vinegar | 2.9 |
soda | 3.0 |
wine | 3.5 |
coffee, black | 5.0 |
milk | 6.9 |
pure water | 7.0 |
blood | 7.4 |
seawater | 8.5 |
milk of magnesia | 10.5 |
ammonia solution | 12.5 |
1.0 M NaOH | 14.0 |
*Actual values may vary depending on conditions. |
pH is a logarithmic scale. A solution that has a pH of 1.0 has 10 times the [H+] as a solution with a pH of 2.0, which in turn has 10 times the [H+] as a solution with a pH of 3.0 and so forth.
Using the definition of pH, it is also possible to calculate [H+] (and [OH−]) from pH and vice versa. The general formula for determining [H+] from pH is as follows:
[H+] = 10−pHYou need to determine how to evaluate the above expression on your calculator. Ask your instructor if you have any questions. The other issue that concerns us here is significant figures. Because the number(s) before the decimal point in a logarithm relate to the power on 10, the number of digits after the decimal point is what determines the number of significant figures in the final answer:
What are [H+] and [OH−] for an aqueous solution whose pH is 4.88?
Solution
We need to evaluate the expression
[H+] = 10−4.88Depending on the calculator you use, the method for solving this problem will vary. In some cases, the “−4.88” is entered and a “10x” key is pressed; for other calculators, the sequence of keystrokes is reversed. In any case, the correct numerical answer is as follows:
[H+] = 1.3 × 10−5 MBecause 4.88 has two digits after the decimal point, [H+] is limited to two significant figures. From this, [OH−] can be determined:
Test Yourself
What are [H+] and [OH−] for an aqueous solution whose pH is 10.36?
Answer
[H+] = 4.4 × 10−11 M; [OH−] = 2.3 × 10−4 M
There is an easier way to relate [H+] and [OH−]. We can also define pOHThe negative logarithm of the hydroxide ion concentration. similar to pH:
pOH = −log[OH−](In fact, p“anything” is defined as the negative logarithm of that anything.) This also implies that
[OH−] = 10−pOHA simple and useful relationship is that for any aqueous solution,
pH + pOH = 14This relationship makes it simple to determine pH from pOH or pOH from pH and then calculate the resulting ion concentration.
The pH of a solution is 8.22. What are pOH, [H+], and [OH−]?
Solution
Because the sum of pH and pOH equals 14, we have
8.22 + pOH = 14Subtracting 8.22 from 14, we get
pOH = 5.78Now we evaluate the following two expressions:
[H+] = 10−8.22 [OH−] = 10−5.78So
[H+] = 6.0 × 10−9 M [OH−] = 1.7 × 10−6 MTest Yourself
The pOH of a solution is 12.04. What are pH, [H+], and [OH−]?
Answer
pH = 1.96; [H+] = 1.1 × 10−2 M; [OH−] = 9.1 × 10−13 M
Define pH. How is it related to pOH?
Define pOH. How is it related to pH?
What is the pH range for an acidic solution?
What is the pH range for a basic solution?
What is [H+] for a neutral solution?
What is [OH−] for a neutral solution? Compare your answer to Exercise 6. Does this make sense?
Which substances in Table 12.3 "Typical pH Values of Various Substances*" are acidic?
Which substances in Table 12.3 "Typical pH Values of Various Substances*" are basic?
What is the pH of a solution when [H+] is 3.44 × 10−4 M?
What is the pH of a solution when [H+] is 9.04 × 10−13 M?
What is the pH of a solution when [OH−] is 6.22 × 10−7 M?
What is the pH of a solution when [OH−] is 0.0222 M?
What is the pOH of a solution when [H+] is 3.44 × 10−4 M?
What is the pOH of a solution when [H+] is 9.04 × 10−13 M?
What is the pOH of a solution when [OH−] is 6.22 × 10−7 M?
What is the pOH of a solution when [OH−] is 0.0222 M?
If a solution has a pH of 0.77, what is its pOH, [H+], and [OH−]?
If a solution has a pOH of 13.09, what is its pH, [H+], and [OH−]?
pH is the negative logarithm of [H+] and is equal to 14 − pOH.
pH < 7
1.0 × 10−7 M
Every entry above pure water is acidic.
3.46
7.79
10.54
6.21
pOH = 13.23; [H+] = 1.70 × 10−1 M; [OH−] = 5.89 × 10−14 M