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pH Formula for Strong Acid:
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pH calculation for strong acids is based on the principle that strong acids completely dissociate in aqueous solution. The pH is calculated directly from the acid concentration using the formula pH = -log₁₀[H⁺], where [H⁺] equals the molarity of the strong acid solution.
The calculator uses the pH formula for strong acids:
Where:
Explanation: For strong acids that completely dissociate, the hydrogen ion concentration [H⁺] equals the initial concentration of the acid. The pH is then calculated as the negative base-10 logarithm of this concentration.
Details: Accurate pH calculation is essential in chemistry, biology, environmental science, and many industrial processes. It helps determine the acidity of solutions, predict chemical behavior, and maintain optimal conditions for various reactions and biological systems.
Tips: Enter the concentration of the strong acid in mol/L. The concentration must be a positive value. The calculator will compute the pH value, which is dimensionless.
Q1: Why is the pH formula different for strong acids?
A: Strong acids completely dissociate in water, so [H⁺] equals the initial acid concentration. Weak acids only partially dissociate, requiring a different calculation approach.
Q2: What are typical pH values for strong acid solutions?
A: For common concentrations (0.1-1.0 M), strong acids typically have pH values between 0-1. More dilute solutions have higher pH values.
Q3: Does temperature affect pH calculations?
A: Yes, the dissociation of water and the value of Kw change with temperature, which can slightly affect pH calculations, especially for very dilute solutions.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for weak acids?
A: No, weak acids require a different calculation that accounts for partial dissociation and the acid dissociation constant (Ka).
Q5: What is the pH of a 0.014 M strong acid solution?
A: pH = -log(0.014) ≈ 1.85 (as shown in the pre-filled example).