pH Formula:
From: | To: |
pH calculation from molarity involves determining the acidity or basicity of a solution based on the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) or hydroxide ions (OH⁻). For strong acids and bases, this calculation is straightforward using the formula pH = -log₁₀(C).
The calculator uses the pH formula:
Where:
Explanation: The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning each whole pH value below 7 is ten times more acidic than the next higher value.
Details: Accurate pH calculation is essential in chemistry, biology, environmental science, and many industrial processes. It helps determine the corrosiveness of solutions, biological compatibility, and chemical reaction rates.
Tips: Enter concentration in mol/L and select whether it's a strong acid or strong base. The calculator will compute the pH value accordingly.
Q1: What's the difference between strong and weak acids/bases?
A: Strong acids/bases completely dissociate in water, while weak ones only partially dissociate. This calculator is designed for strong acids and bases only.
Q2: What is the pH range?
A: The pH scale typically ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral.
Q3: Can I use this calculator for weak acids or bases?
A: No, weak acids and bases require additional calculations involving equilibrium constants (Ka or Kb).
Q4: What if my concentration is very low?
A: For concentrations below 10⁻⁷ M, the contribution of water's self-ionization becomes significant and must be considered.
Q5: Why is the pH calculation logarithmic?
A: The logarithmic scale allows us to work with the wide range of hydrogen ion concentrations found in solutions (typically from 1 to 10⁻¹⁴ M).