Q&A for How to Calibrate and Use a pH Meter

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How do I discuss the pH meter calibration report when writing a standard operation procedure?

Bess Ruff, MA
Environmental Scientist
Bess Ruff is a Geography PhD student at Florida State University. She received her MA in Environmental Science and Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2016. She has conducted survey work for marine spatial planning projects in the Caribbean and provided research support as a graduate fellow for the Sustainable Fisheries Group.

Bess Ruff, MA

Environmental Scientist

Expert Answer

This article provides a solid outline for how you should write up the calibration steps in any formal lab report. You'll want to be sure to mention which buffer you used and why as well as the temperature of all components involved.

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Question

Is it always necessary to calibrate the pH meter before using?

Community Answer

Usually daily calibration is necessary.

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Question

My Jellas pH meter recommends calibrating with deionized water. Is deionized water necessary, or can distilled water be used?

Michael Li

Community Answer

Deionized water basically means water without any ionic charges. It requires ion exchangers to perform the process. However, distilled water will work fine.

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What are negatively charged H atoms?

Aussie J

Community Answer

They are hydrogen ions - basically a free-floating hydrogen atom regarded as negatively charged, as it has gained an electron to have a stable outer shell.

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How can I calculate the slope of pH meter manually from pH value?

Community Answer

I think this is the correct answer, but still you can verify. A good electrode has a mV of 0 ± 30 mV in pH 7. The slope should be 90 to 105%. For example: Readings pH 4 : 4.29; pH 7 : 7.43. Convert pH 7 reading to mV. 7 – 7.43 = -0.43 pH * 59.16 mV/pH = -25.44 (this value is okay because it is within 0 ± 30mV). Convert pH 4 reading to mV. 7 – 4.29 = 2.71 pH * 59.16 mV/pH = 160.32. Calculate slope: 160.32 – (-25.44) = 185.76 mV/ 177.48 mV * 100 = 105 % (this value is borderline as 105% is the upper limit).

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What are the fewest counts required during calibration?

Community Answer

I usually do 2 to 3, but I guess you would be okay doing 1.

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Question

What should I see when turning on the pH meter?

Community Answer

The pH meter should be on as indicated by the visual display, but the specifics will vary by model. If the power does not come on, contact the pH meter manufacturer.

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Question

Why are two buffer solutions needed to calibrate a pH meter?

Community Answer

Two buffers are used to ensure the pH meter is working properly, as two different concentrations have different results.

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Question

What are the disadvantages of a pH meter?

Community Answer

A major disadvantage is the cost; it is way more expensive than pH test strips. Most pH meters are also very fragile and must be handled with great care. In addition to this, pH meters also require a lot of maintenance (such as regular calibration).

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What is a pH meter?

Community Answer

A pH meter indirectly measures the amount of hydrogen ions (also referred to as protons) vs hydroxide ions in the solution. A more basic solution has less hydrogen and more hydroxide ions and a higher pH. A more acidic solution has more hydrogen and less hydroxide ions and a lower pH.

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Can I calibrate my pH meter without any distilled water?

Community Answer

No, you need it to rinse the sensitive part of the pH meter. You can also use demineralized water instead.

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Question

Do I have to calibrate the temperature measuring probe?

Luke Anthony

Community Answer

No the temperature works on a different method of measurement and will not need calibration.

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Question

Can I measure pH directly on tree bark with a pH meter?

Community Answer

No you can't, but you can do it indirectly by grinding up the bark and soaking it in demineralised water, and then measuring the pH of the water.

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Can I measure pH directly on meat with a pH meter?

Community Answer

No. You have to mince the meat finely and soak in deionized water. Then you can measure the pH of the water.

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Question

How do I do two-point calibration of a pH meter?

Carla J Comb

Community Answer

Two-point is calibration using two buffers (as outlined in this article). Using one buffer is a singe-point calibration.

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Does the pH meter tell you the pH value or the h+ion concentration?

Community Answer

The pH meter tells you pH, not the h+ ion concentration. But the higher the h+ ion concentration, the lower the pH.

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Question

How can I calibrate an analog pH meter?

Community Answer

To calibrate a pH meter, you will need two types of buffer solutions: pH7 and pH4. These buffer solutions help you with displaying the right pH values because when you use a pH meter you want to be sure that the pH meter displays the right measurement.

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