How can I calculate pH of #NaOH#?

1 Answer
Dec 5, 2014

Assuming that you either start with, or can determine a molar concentration for #NaOH#, the easiest way to get to #pH# is by calculating #pOH#.

#NaOH# is a strong base, which means it dissociates completely

#NaOH(aq) + H_2O(aq) <=> Na^+ (aq) + OH^(-) (aq)#

The concentrations of #Na^+# and #OH^-# are equal to the intial concentration of #NaOH#, let's say #X#. You can now determine #pOH# by using

#pOH = -log(X)#, which then gets you to

#pH = 14 - pOH#