Home
Back
pH Formula:
| From: | To: |
pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It is defined as the negative logarithm (base 10) of the hydrogen ion concentration. The pH scale typically ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral, values less than 7 acidic, and values greater than 7 alkaline.
The calculator uses the pH formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the negative base-10 logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration to determine the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
Details: pH measurement is crucial in various fields including chemistry, biology, medicine, environmental science, and industry. It helps determine chemical reactivity, biological function, water quality, and many other important parameters.
Tips: Enter the hydrogen ion concentration in moles per liter (mol/L). The value must be greater than 0. For very small concentrations, scientific notation may be helpful (e.g., 1e-7 for 0.0000001).
Q1: What is the relationship between pH and [H⁺]?
A: pH and hydrogen ion concentration have an inverse logarithmic relationship. Each unit change in pH represents a tenfold change in hydrogen ion concentration.
Q2: What are typical pH values?
A: Pure water has a pH of 7 (neutral). Acidic solutions have pH < 7 (lemon juice ~2.0), while basic solutions have pH > 7 (soapy water ~9.0-10.0).
Q3: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise, but actual pH measurements may vary due to temperature, ionic strength, and other factors affecting hydrogen ion activity.
Q4: Can I calculate [H⁺] from pH?
A: Yes, you can reverse the calculation using the formula [H⁺] = 10^(-pH).
Q5: Why is pH important in biological systems?
A: Most biological processes are pH-sensitive. Enzymes, cellular functions, and metabolic processes typically operate within specific pH ranges.