To calculate the pH of an aqueous solution you need to know the concentration of the hydronium ion in moles per liter (). The pH is then calculated using the expression:
pH = - log [H3O+].
Example: Find the pH of a 0.0025 M HCl solution. The HCl is a strong acid and is 100% ionized in water. The hydronium ion concentration is 0.0025 M. Thus:
pH = - log (0.0025) = - ( - 2.60) = 2.60
To calculate the pH of an aqueous solution you need to know the concentration of the hydronium ion in moles per liter (). The pH is then calculated using the expression:
pH = - log [H3O+].
Example: Find the pH of a 0.0025 M HCl solution. The HCl is a strong acid and is 100% ionized in water. The hydronium ion concentration is 0.0025 M. Thus:
pH = - log (0.0025) = - ( - 2.60) = 2.60
