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Calculate pH Of A Diluted Solution

pH Calculation Formula:

\[ pH_{new} = pH_{old} - \log(dilution\ factor) \]

pH units
(dimensionless)

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1. What is the pH Dilution Formula?

The pH dilution formula calculates the new pH of a strong acid solution after dilution. It accounts for the logarithmic relationship between hydrogen ion concentration and pH, providing an accurate estimation of pH change when a solution is diluted.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pH dilution formula:

\[ pH_{new} = pH_{old} - \log(dilution\ factor) \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula is derived from the definition of pH and the relationship between hydrogen ion concentration and dilution for strong acids.

3. Importance of pH Calculation

Details: Accurate pH calculation is crucial for chemical reactions, biological systems, industrial processes, and laboratory experiments where precise pH control is required.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter initial pH (0-14) and dilution factor (≥1). The calculator will compute the new pH after dilution. Valid pH values range from 0 to 14.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Does this formula work for all types of acids?
A: This formula is specifically designed for strong acids that completely dissociate in water. For weak acids, additional calculations involving acid dissociation constants are needed.

Q2: What is a typical dilution factor?
A: Dilution factors typically range from 2 (1:1 dilution) to 1000 or more, depending on the required concentration change.

Q3: Can pH values go below 0 or above 14?
A: While theoretically possible for extremely concentrated acids or bases, practical pH measurements are typically limited to the 0-14 range for aqueous solutions.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically exact for ideal strong acid solutions, but real-world factors like temperature, ionic strength, and activity coefficients may cause slight deviations.

Q5: Can this be used for basic solutions?
A: For strong bases, a similar approach using pOH calculations would be more appropriate, followed by conversion to pH.

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