Q&A for How to Calculate pH

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  • Question
    What are some natural indicators?
    Chris Hasegawa, PhD
    Retired Science Professor & Dean
    Dr. Chris Hasegawa was a Science Professor and the Dean at California State University Monterey Bay. Dr. Hasegawa specializes in teaching complex scientific concepts to students. He holds a BS in Biochemistry, a Master’s in Education, and his teaching credential from The University of California, Davis. He earned his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Oregon. Before becoming a professor, Dr. Hasegawa conducted biochemical research in Neuropharmacology at the National Institute of Health. He also taught physical and life sciences and served as a teacher and administrator at public schools in California, Oregon, and Arizona.
    Retired Science Professor & Dean
    Expert Answer
    Cabbage juice, celeries, and different kinds of flowers are all excellent, natural base indicators.
  • Question
    What is the purpose of a titration lab?
    Chris Hasegawa, PhD
    Retired Science Professor & Dean
    Dr. Chris Hasegawa was a Science Professor and the Dean at California State University Monterey Bay. Dr. Hasegawa specializes in teaching complex scientific concepts to students. He holds a BS in Biochemistry, a Master’s in Education, and his teaching credential from The University of California, Davis. He earned his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Oregon. Before becoming a professor, Dr. Hasegawa conducted biochemical research in Neuropharmacology at the National Institute of Health. He also taught physical and life sciences and served as a teacher and administrator at public schools in California, Oregon, and Arizona.
    Retired Science Professor & Dean
    Expert Answer
    Titration labs let you titrate an unknown acid solution with a basic solution that you already know the pH and molarity of.
  • Question
    What is the most accurate method of reading pH?
    Chris Hasegawa, PhD
    Retired Science Professor & Dean
    Dr. Chris Hasegawa was a Science Professor and the Dean at California State University Monterey Bay. Dr. Hasegawa specializes in teaching complex scientific concepts to students. He holds a BS in Biochemistry, a Master’s in Education, and his teaching credential from The University of California, Davis. He earned his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Oregon. Before becoming a professor, Dr. Hasegawa conducted biochemical research in Neuropharmacology at the National Institute of Health. He also taught physical and life sciences and served as a teacher and administrator at public schools in California, Oregon, and Arizona.
    Retired Science Professor & Dean
    Expert Answer
    A pH meter is the most accurate options, but most people don't have those lying around at home. pH papers and other indicators can work, too.
  • Question
    How can I calculate the pH of a substance after dilution?
    Community Answer
    You have to apply a formula for molarity where molarity =n/l You also need to apply the formula for dilution in order to find the concentration of the unknown substance.
  • Question
    Is Litmus added to hydrochloric acid?
    Community Answer
    It can be added, yes, but will only be if the pH is needed. It is not added by default.
  • Question
    How do I find the pH of a compound without having an actual concentration of acid and base?
    Community Answer
    pH, by definition, is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. More specifically, it measures concentration of hydrogen ions. You cannot measure the pH of an undissolved compound.
  • Question
    How do I take out log without a calculator?
    Han
    Community Answer
    Use a log table. Log tables give you the value of log(x), with x being between 0 and 10. For example, take pH = -log(1.05*10^-5). 1.05*10^-5 is not between 0 and 10, but you can manipulate the expression so that you can use the log table. Using the product rule for logs, log(1.05*10^-5)=log(1.05)+log(10^-5). The first part, you can look up in the log table; it evaluates to 0.021. Using the exponents rule for logs, log (10^-5)= -5*log(10) = -5. Add these numbers, -5 and 0.021, to get -4.979. Remember that this is equal to log(1.05*10^-5), but pH is defined using the negative logarithm, so simply flip the sign of -4.979 to get a pH of 4.979.
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