Chapter 16, Problem 16.35P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The $\text{pH}$ of rainwater needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

A strong acid completely dissociates into hydrogen ion and conjugate base. Thus, the concentration of hydronium ion is equal to the concentration of acid in this case. The pH of solution can be calculated as follows:

$\text{pH}=-\log \left[{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}^{+}\right]$

Here, $\left[{\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}^{+}\right]$ is the concentration of hydroxide ion in the solution.