1. What is pH?

pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution, defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. It ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses different equations based on solution type:

For different solution types:

• Strong Acid: pH = -log(C)
• Strong Base: pH = 14 + log(C)
• Weak Acid: pH = pKa/2 - log(C)/2
• Weak Base: pH = 7 + pKa/2 + log(C)/2
• Buffer: pH ≈ pKa (Henderson-Hasselbalch)

3. Importance of pH Calculation

Details: pH calculation is essential in chemistry, biology, environmental science, and many industrial processes. It helps understand chemical behavior, reaction rates, and biological functions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter concentration in mol/L, select the appropriate solution type, and provide pKa value for weak acids/bases and buffers. Ensure all values are valid and appropriate for the selected type.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between strong and weak acids?
A: Strong acids completely dissociate in water, while weak acids only partially dissociate.

Q2: Why is pKa important for weak acids?
A: pKa indicates the acid strength and is essential for calculating pH of weak acid solutions.

Q3: What is a buffer solution?
A: A buffer resists pH changes when small amounts of acid or base are added, typically containing a weak acid and its conjugate base.

Q4: How accurate are these calculations?
A: These are simplified calculations. Real-world solutions may require more complex calculations considering activity coefficients and other factors.

Q5: Can I use this for very dilute solutions?
A: For very dilute solutions (<10⁻⁶ M), the contribution of water's autoionization becomes significant and must be considered.