What is Ph: Definition and 520 Discussions

In chemistry, pH (, denoting 'potential of hydrogen' or 'power of hydrogen') is a scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. Acidic solutions (solutions with higher concentrations of H+ ions) are measured to have lower pH values than basic or alkaline solutions.
The pH scale is logarithmic and inversely indicates the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution. This is because the formula used to calculate pH approximates the negative of the base 10 logarithm of the molar concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution. More precisely, pH is the negative of the base 10 logarithm of the activity of the H+ ion.At 25 °C, solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic, and solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic. Solutions with a pH of 7 at this temperature are neutral (e.g. pure water). The neutral value of the pH depends on the temperature – being lower than 7 if the temperature increases. The pH value can be less than 0 for very strong acids, or greater than 14 for very strong bases.The pH scale is traceable to a set of standard solutions whose pH is established by international agreement. Primary pH standard values are determined using a concentration cell with transference, by measuring the potential difference between a hydrogen electrode and a standard electrode such as the silver chloride electrode. The pH of aqueous solutions can be measured with a glass electrode and a pH meter, or a color-changing indicator. Measurements of pH are important in chemistry, agronomy, medicine, water treatment, and many other applications.

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  1. S

    How to find the pH of HCl and NaOH combined.

    Homework Statement I have .100mL of .100M HCl titrated with .100M NaOH, Theres a chart I have to fill in and I'm completely lost. I have the volume of NaOH(from 0ml-200ml) I have to find the total volume of the solution, I get that, moles remaining of solution molarity of remaining solution...
  2. B

    Find pH of Buffer: NaH2PO4 & Na2HPO4 Solution

    Homework Statement A buffer is made by dissolving 13.0g of sodium dihydrogen phosphate, NaH2PO4, and 15.0g of disodium hydrogen phosphate, Na2HPO4, in a litre of solution. What is the pH of the buffer? a) 7.84 b)7.47 c)7.20 d)6.85 e)6.63 Homework Equations pH = -log [H+]...
  3. S

    Calculating CO2 Needed to Reduce pH of NaOH Solution to 12

    I am trying to perform the calculation that will tell me how much (mass or moles) carbon dioxide (CO2) I would theoretically need to bubble through a 3 liter solution of a 2.6 M aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution in order to reduce the pH of the solution to 12. I know that the reaction...
  4. P

    Stoichiometry to find concentration and pH

    Homework Statement 15.1g of calcium hydroxide completely dissociates in distilled water forming 855ml of basic solution. a) Dissociation Equation b) Calculate the concentration of OH in the solution c)Calculate the pH of the above solution Homework Equations c=n/v pH=-log[H] The...
  5. M

    Quantity of buffer solution needed to resist pH change

    Hello there, I've got a question here which asks me to calculate how much (in mol/L) of buffer solution to add to 1 litre of solution to resist the change away from a pH of 7.0. a) if there was an increase of 3.99367 x 10-8 of [H+] ions Because the question is talking about pH in a...
  6. S

    Titration question on unkown pH

    Homework Statement 24 ml of 1.5 M solution of unknown acid is titrated with 54 ml 2 M NaOH. The unknown acid is triprotic. If the unknown acid is strong, what is the pH of this acid before titration Homework Equations Mvn= Mvn to find that it was tri-protic. The Attempt at a...
  7. J

    Does the medulla monitor blood pH

    Does the medulla monitor blood pH or is it only the receptors in the heart (aorta / carotid bodies)?
  8. R

    PH to Concentration of Citric Acid

    I am working on making Meads (Honey wine) and after speaking to a master Vinter he advised I lower the pH of my starting water & honey mixture to 3.5 for various reasons. I'm interested in experimenting to see if this gives a noticeable taste difference to the mead. I know honey is Basic but...
  9. L

    Calculate the amount to bring down the pH

    I have 60,000 LBS of a NaOH solution with a pH of 12.6. I need to be able to calculate the amount of 25% H2SO4 to add to bring the pH down to below 10. Is this possible to calculate?
  10. G

    Can Total Alkalinity and Carbonate Concentration Determine pH?

    If given total alkalinity of a solution, and total carbonate concentration, is it possible to find the pH of that solution? Total alkalinity = [OH]- + [HCO3]- + 2 x [CO3]2- - [H]+
  11. M

    Calculating pH of buffer after adding HCl

    Homework Statement If the Tris buffer was exactly pH=9.0, calculate expected pH value after addition of 1 ml of 0.05 HCl. Buffer: 4 ml of 0.01M Tris, pH 9.0 HCl: 1 ml of 0.05M HCl Homework Equations H-H: pH=pKa+log[A-]/[HA] The Attempt at a Solution 9.0=8.21+log[A-]/[HA]...
  12. R

    Calculating pH from deltaG° and Ion Concentrations

    I've been working on this one for a few days, and I just can't seem to get the right answer. Consider the reaction I2(s) --> I- (aq) + IO3- (aq) Balanced= 3I2 + 6OH- --> 5I- + IO3- + 3H2O deltaG°= -153.8 kJ/mol The question: What pH is required for the reaction to be at equilibrium...
  13. K

    Theoretical pH of manufactured product

    Need urgent help with a manufacturing problem. Our company built a product that is testing in spec for propionic acid and ammonia, but out of spec for pH. Desperate for this answer. The total product build is 24166.246 KG. The amount of propionic acid added is 15949.723 KG, which puts...
  14. G

    Finding the pH of a buffered System

    1. A buffer system commonly used in the biochemistry lab uses a substance abbreviated TRIS, and it's conjugate acid TRISH+. A Buffer is prepared with [TRIS] = 0.60M and [TRISH+]= 0.30M. What is the pH of this buffered System? The Ka for TRISH+ is 1.20 x 10^-6 [H+]=Ka [HA]/[A-] (Equation...
  15. H

    Can Nitric Acid's pH be Increased to pH 10 with Water?

    Hi I have done some research into changing the pH of an acid and I have gotten mixed answers I have Nitric Acid of pH3 and I want to increase it to approximatly pH10. I have deionized water and want to add it to the Nitric Acid until its pH is approximatly 10. I have come across...
  16. T

    Two questions about the pH of buffers after solutions are added questions

    I have two questions about pH of buffers. It's a general chemistry class, but the questions aren't similar to anything we've had yet. Homework Statement A buffer is prepared by adding 0.96 L of 0.96 M HCl to 762 mL of 1.4 M NaHCOO. What is the pH of this buffer? [Ka(HCOOH) = 1.7 × 10-4]...
  17. H

    Does pH Changing with Water & Acids Matter?

    Hi all I have been reading over difference sites when they discuss pH and water and acids. I have under stood most of it. If I change the pH of an acid of say 3, to basic, i add water and this raises the pH of the subatance What I want to know is, does the molarity matter and type of...
  18. S

    Chemistry) Buffers and Ph differences question

    Homework Statement A Chemist wishes to prepare 250mL of buffer that has a Ph of 4.50. Starting with 100mL of 0.12 mol L acetic acid and a supply of 0.10 mol L NaOh. 1) explain how this can be done 3) how much 0.20 molL NaOH must e added to this buffer to raise the pH to 5.1? 3) if the...
  19. K

    PH of solution containing HCl and bicarbonate

    This should be an easy one for some of you, but it's difficult to me because of my lack of chemistry knowledge. This is not a homework problem, but a calculation I need to do for my research. I need to calculate the pH of a 1 Liter solution containing 0.000077 M HCl and 0.03 M Na-HCO3. (not...
  20. M

    Chemistry - Concentration from known pH and Ka.

    Homework Statement A particular sample of vinegar has a pH of 2.90. If acetic acid is the only acid that vinegar contains (Ka = 1.8 x 10-5), calculate the concentration of acetic acid in the vinegar. Homework Equations Ka = [Products]/[Reactants] pH = -log[H+] The Attempt at a...
  21. B

    PH of HCl solution as a function of volume.

    Homework Statement You have a 1L of a 2M HCl solution. Assume that the HCl completely ionizes. a) Calculate the pH of the solution right now. b) You now add V litres of water to the solution. Find the pH of the new dilute solution in terms of V. Homework Equations pH = -log[H]...
  22. R

    Can strong acids and salts be used to create a pH 0.5 buffer?

    Homework Statement The assignment is to create a pH buffer in lab. My assignment is pH 0.5. Homework Equations [H+] = (Ka)([HA]/[A-]) log [HA] = pKa - pH + log [A-] The second equation was provided by the instructor, the first is from the textbook. The Attempt at a Solution...
  23. B

    What is the significance of pH in a basic solution?

    I am a little confused about the meaning of pH, especially when you have a basic solution. I know that pH = -log[H^{+}] , but I don't understand how you can have a pH for a basic solution. Don't basic solutions only produce hydroxide ions? I know that pH + pOH = 14 but why this equation be...
  24. T

    Finding the pH of a buffer solution when a strong acid is added

    Homework Statement Three milliliters of a 2.0 M solution of HCL are added to 1 liter of buffer solution containing 0.40 moles of the weak acid, propanoic acid (Ka = 1.4 x 10-5) and .50 moles of its conjugate base, sodium propanate. 1) find the ph of the buffer solution 2) find the ph when...
  25. M

    Finding pH of solutions with an acid and base

    What is the pH of the solution formed when 0.040 mol KOH is added to 2.00 L of 0.020 m HCl? Hello all! I'm really struggling with this. I set up the change table with the reaction of KOH + HCl <> H2O + KCl, and so I end up with Ka = x/(.01-x)(0.2-x). What Ka value would I use? I may be...
  26. J

    Simple questions on solutions concentration and pH

    Hi there, I was wondering if anyone could help me with 3 questions: 1) Without pH papers, how do you calculate the pH of a 5% H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) solution? I know vinegar is a weak acid, but would a 5% acetic acid have the same pH of a %5 H2So4 solution? 2) If a non-polar solvent...
  27. J

    Can Vinegar and Sulfuric Acid Solutions Share the Same pH?

    Hi there, I was wondering if anyone could help me with 3 questions: 1) Without pH papers, how do you calculate the pH of a 5% H2SO4 (sulfuric acid) solution? I know vinegar is a weak acid, but would a 5% acetic acid have the same pH of a %5 H2So4 solution? 2) If a non-polar solvent such...
  28. P

    C2H3O2- concentration given pH of 30mL NaC2H3O2 solution

    I'm working on a lab for my chem class and we have to calculate all of the different ion concentrations within some titrations that we did. Here I have to calculate the concentration before anything is added. Na+ + C2H3O2- + H2O → HC2H3O2 + OH- + Na+ the pH is 8.4458 for a 30.0 mL NaC2H3O2...
  29. B

    How to change 3 Ph supply frequency?

    Hello, I would like to know about, How to change the 3 Phase supply frequency smoothly over a wide range(for example 1Hz - 100Hz)? suggest methods if any exists other than mentioned below : 1)Not using Variable frequency drives 2)Not using MG set Pl note that i want to know, how to...
  30. B

    Calculating pH of the 1,96 % H3PO4 solution

    Homework Statement Calculate pH of the 1,96% solution of H3PO4 (ρ≈1 g/cm^3). Take in account only the first constant of dissociation (7,5 * 10^-3 mol/cubic dm). The reduction of the concentration of H3PO4 because of dissociation can be ignored. % = 1,96% ρ (H3PO4) ≈1 g/cm^3 K = 7,5 *...
  31. V

    How do i determine optimal temperature and optimal PH level?

    hi everyone i am having trouble figuring out how to determine the optimal temperature and optimal PH level of an enzyme? i have a picture of the question uploaded here http://tiny.cc/3kude [can someone explain to me what to do because i don't even know where to start:(
  32. K

    Copper Solubility in Water with pH 5

    Hello, I have a problem with this task: "Water with pH 5 and reduction potential +0.30 V flows through copper pipe at 25 °C. Calculate how much copper dissolves (in ppm) in water due to corrosion of this pipe. Standard reduction potential of copper Cu0/Cu2+ is 0.34 V." I spent lot of...
  33. B

    Find the pH of a 10-7 mol l-1 H2CO3 Solution: Explained

    Ok so i have this question to figure out. What is the pH of a solution having an H2CO3 concentration of 10-7 mol l-1?Now here is the info I've been given to learn about pH in my lecture notes. That pH is the negative log to base 10 of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution. It says...
  34. Saitama

    Calculating pH of a Monoacidic Base Solution in Water

    Homework Statement x mole of a strong monoacidic base is dissolved in one litre of water. The pH of the solution will be (a)-log x (b)14-log x (c)14+log x (d)-log (14-x) Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution For instance i assumed that the base is NaOH but it does not...
  35. D

    Citric acid effect on body chemistry pH

    I see a lot of quacky sites about acid/alkaline body chemistry claiming that lemon juice and orange juice make the body alkaline. They both contain citric acid, orange juice also has lots of potassium... I cannot think of any mechanism whereby citric acid would somehow cause a persons body to...
  36. C

    Understanding pH of Salt Solutions: Reaction of NaOH and HCl

    Homework Statement Determine the pH of a salt solution produced from the reaction of NaOH and HCl -no values were given :s Homework Equations I have no clue to do this The Attempt at a Solution Don't even know where to start!
  37. S

    Chemistry Find number of moles of HCl to change pH of Histidine buffer.

    Homework Statement There is 400 mL of 0.2 M histidine buffer- pH 11. Find the moles of HCl that are needed to change the pH to 3.2. Homework Equations pH= pKa+log[b]/[a] The Attempt at a Solution First, this is how you would go from acid to base (acid-->base): 1. There is 400 mL of 0.2 M...
  38. J

    Calculating Buffer Volumes for pH and Concentration Ratios

    Homework Statement An buffer is made from a 0.1M acid and a 0.25 M salt. According to the equation pH = pKa - log[acid]/[base] the ratio acid:base is 1:2 What volumes are required to make a 1 dm3 solution? Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution According to the 1:2 ratio we would need...
  39. V

    Solve 5pH Solution from Citric Acid (1L)

    Homework Statement how would you make a 5pH solution from citric acid(1L) Homework Equations pH= log(H+) The Attempt at a Solution So I will try to work backwards from the [H+] antilog(-5) = 10^-5 M H+ needed this number can be divided by 3, because citric acid is...
  40. C

    How to increase pH of lime water

    Hi to all, I'm in this problem: I've got to prepare a solution of Ca(OH)2 with pH=13.2 . On Perry I read that the solubility value of Ca(OH)2 at T=25°C is 1.65 g/L, so a solution with water and Calcium Hydroxide cannot reach pH=13.2. So I was suggested to prepare the mixture in the following...
  41. T

    How much water to raise ph of diet coke to 5.5

    This is certainly NOT a homework assignment. I am a medical student and we are learning about oral flora, I read that the safe zone for enamel is a pH of 5.5, and as a diet soda drinker I am curious if this is even possible. I probably should remember how to do something like this. The...
  42. J

    Biochemistry: pH of L-glutamic acid

    Homework Statement Calculate the pH of a solution of L-glutamic acid in which the ionic species with a net charge of -1 is 5 times greater than that of the isoelectric structure. (Refer to pKa Table at end of problem set). Homework Equations pKa for glutamic acid: -COOH = 2.19...
  43. B

    Are the phosphate groups of ATP protonated at pH = 7?

    Homework Statement The problem states: "Draw the chemical structure of ATP at a pH of 7. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution The textbook diagrams the phophate groups as unprotonated, but since H3PO4 has a pKa of <7, I was thinking that maybe each phosphate group would have lost one...
  44. K

    How to stabilize pH of the solution that containes silica?

    How to stabilize pH of the solution that containes silica? Hello, I have a problem with adjusting the pH of my solution to value 7. It contains these chemicals: Na2SiO3, CaCl2, KCl, Na2SO4, NaHCO3 and NaCl. The initial pH (after adding all of these stuff) is around 10. The problem occurs...
  45. Q

    PH Scale: Is 12 10^6 Times More Basic Than 6?

    Here's a quickie. Since the pH scale is based on powers of 10, would a pH of 12 indicate that a substance is 10^6 times more basic than a substance with a pH of 6?
  46. M

    PH to ppm with ammonia chart/problem

    I need some help calculating basic chemistry. I need to know how much ammonia I need to add to a volume of water to reach the appropriate pH level. I have 50 cubic meters of demin water that I need to raise to a pH of 11. Volume is not flowing. I am using aqueous ammonia of 25%...
  47. R

    PH Scale: Understanding Its Mechanism

    What is the mechanism of pH scale?
  48. M

    Soil Mechanics: Relationship between pH of seawater and sand

    Is there any relationship between the pH of seawater and any properties of the sand at the beach? If so, what/ why/ how? Context: I am writing a report for my Soil Mechanics course, for which we analysed some sand we collected at the beach, as well as some seawater. One of the key properties...
  49. Y

    Calculation pH from concentration

    Homework Statement Shells of mussels are mainly of calcium carbonate. IUsually the shell is stable and its content is in equilibrium with the surrounding. Mussels need to build up or reduce their shell, however, for additional protection or during growth. They achieve this by changing the...
  50. N

    PH=pKa+log([A-]/[HA]) add lots of water and the pH still remains constant?

    Hey.. so we have this formula pH=pKa+log([A-]/[HA]).. If we add lots of water, the concentration of both A- and HA decrease proportionally so the pH doesn't change.. But this is weird. If the volume increases by large amounts in an acidic solution, shouldn't at least HA decrease in...
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