How can I calculate the pH of a strong acid?

1 Answer
Mar 15, 2018

How else but by measurement? By definition, #pH=-log_10[H_3O^+]#

Explanation:

The #pH# and #pOH# scales were developed in the days before electronic calculators as a means to facilitate chemical calculations. And they used a logarithmic scale, the which chemists, and engineers, would have to look up, and manipulate.

In aqueous solution under standard conditions, we often speak of #K_w#, the ion product...where...

#K_w=[H_3O^+][HO^-]=10^(-14)#...

And we can take #log_10# of both sides to give....

#log_(10)K_w=log_(10)10^(-14)=log_10[H_3O^+]+log_10[HO^-]#.

And thus.... #-14=log_(10)[H_3O^+]+log_(10)[HO^-]#

Or.....

#14=-log_(10)[H_3O^+]-log_(10)[HO^-]#

#14=underbrace(-log_10[H^+])_(pH)underbrace(-log_10[OH^-])_(pOH)#

#14=pH+pOH#

By definition, #-log_10[H^+]=pH#, #-log_10[HO^-]=pOH#