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Calculate The Ph of Each of The Following Aqueous Solutions

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

Understanding the pH of aqueous solutions is essential in chemistry, biology, and environmental science. This guide explains how to calculate the pH of various solutions, including acids, bases, and buffers, using the pH formula and practical examples.

What is pH?

The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a solution is. It ranges from 0 to 14, where:

  • pH 0-6: Acidic solutions (e.g., lemon juice, vinegar)
  • pH 7: Neutral (e.g., pure water)
  • pH 8-14: Basic solutions (e.g., baking soda, soap)

The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole number change represents a tenfold difference in acidity or basicity.

pH Formula

The pH of a solution is calculated using the concentration of hydrogen ions ([H+]) in moles per liter (M):

pH Formula

pH = -log10 [H+]

Where:

  • [H+] = concentration of hydrogen ions in moles per liter (M)
  • log10 = base-10 logarithm

For example, if a solution has a hydrogen ion concentration of 1 × 10-5 M, its pH would be 5.

Calculating pH

To calculate the pH of an aqueous solution:

  1. Determine the concentration of hydrogen ions ([H+]) in the solution.
  2. Take the negative base-10 logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration.
  3. Round the result to one decimal place for practical use.

For example, a solution with [H+] = 1 × 10-3 M would have a pH of 3.

The pH Scale

The pH scale is a logarithmic scale that measures the acidity or basicity of a solution. Key points include:

  • pH 0: Most acidic (e.g., battery acid)
  • pH 7: Neutral (e.g., pure water)
  • pH 14: Most basic (e.g., drain cleaner)

Each pH unit represents a tenfold difference in hydrogen ion concentration. For example, a pH 3 solution has 10 times more hydrogen ions than a pH 4 solution.

Common Aqueous Solutions

Here are some common aqueous solutions and their typical pH values:

Solution pH Range Type
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) 0-1 Strong acid
Vinegar (acetic acid) 2-3 Weak acid
Pure water 7 Neutral
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) 8-9 Weak base
Ammonia (NH3) 11-12 Strong base

These values can vary based on concentration and other factors, but they provide a general guide.

FAQ

What is the pH of pure water?

The pH of pure water is 7 at 25°C, which is considered neutral.

How do I calculate the pH of a buffer solution?

For a buffer solution, you can use the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation: pH = pKa + log([A-]/[HA]).

What is the difference between pH and pOH?

pH measures acidity, while pOH measures basicity. They are related by the equation: pH + pOH = 14.