Chapter 13, Problem 11E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason why the pH scale is a logarithm scale is to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

A logarithm scale is a nonlinear scale often used to analyze a large range of quantities. In this, each interval is increased by a factor of the base of the logarithm. Generally, a base ten scale is used and its equation is as follows:

$\begin{array}{c}y={\text{ log}}_{10}\text{(}x\text{)}\\ {10}^y=x\end{array}$

In chemistry, the pH scale is a logarithm scale which is used to define the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution. This scale is a logarithm, which means with each of the one-digit changes in pH, the acidity or ${\text{H}}^{+}$ concentration changes by ten times.