Calculating the pH of strong acids and bases is quite easy once you learn the steps. Here’s how I do it:
Find the Concentration: For a strong acid like hydrochloric acid (HCl), if you have a concentration of 0.1 M, it means it breaks down completely. So, the amount of hydrogen ions (H⁺) is also 0.1 M.
Use the pH Formula:
To find the pH, you can use this formula:
pH = -log[H⁺]
For our 0.1 M HCl, it works out like this:
pH = -log(0.1) = 1
For Strong Bases:
The same method works for strong bases like sodium hydroxide (NaOH). If you have 0.1 M NaOH, it gives a pOH of 1. So, you can find the pH like this:
pH = 14 - pOH = 13
Remember, strong acids and bases break down completely in water. That’s the main idea to keep in mind!
Calculating the pH of strong acids and bases is quite easy once you learn the steps. Here’s how I do it:
Find the Concentration: For a strong acid like hydrochloric acid (HCl), if you have a concentration of 0.1 M, it means it breaks down completely. So, the amount of hydrogen ions (H⁺) is also 0.1 M.
Use the pH Formula:
To find the pH, you can use this formula:
pH = -log[H⁺]
For our 0.1 M HCl, it works out like this:
pH = -log(0.1) = 1
For Strong Bases:
The same method works for strong bases like sodium hydroxide (NaOH). If you have 0.1 M NaOH, it gives a pOH of 1. So, you can find the pH like this:
pH = 14 - pOH = 13
Remember, strong acids and bases break down completely in water. That’s the main idea to keep in mind!