1. What is pH?

pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of an aqueous 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.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the pH formula:

Where:

• \( pH \) — pH value (dimensionless)
• \( [H^+] \) — Hydrogen ion concentration (mol/L)

Explanation: The logarithmic scale means each whole pH value below 7 is ten times more acidic than the next higher value. For example, pH 4 is ten times more acidic than pH 5.

3. Importance of pH Calculation

Details: pH measurement is crucial in many fields including chemistry, biology, medicine, environmental science, and food science. It affects chemical reactions, biological processes, and the behavior of many substances.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the hydrogen ion concentration in 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).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the pH of pure water?
A: Pure water at 25°C has a pH of 7.0, which is considered neutral.

Q2: What pH values indicate acidic or basic solutions?
A: Solutions with pH less than 7 are acidic, while those with pH greater than 7 are basic (alkaline).

Q3: Can pH be negative or greater than 14?
A: Yes, for very concentrated strong acids, pH can be negative, and for very concentrated strong bases, pH can exceed 14.

Q4: How does temperature affect pH?
A: The pH of pure water decreases with increasing temperature, but this doesn't mean water becomes more acidic. The neutral point changes with temperature.

Q5: What are some common methods for measuring pH?
A: pH can be measured using pH indicator papers, pH indicator solutions, or electronic pH meters.