Chapter U4.19, Problem 1E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The relationship between the pH and the H+ concentration needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: The pH of a solution is inversely related to H+ concentration of the solution.

Answer to Problem 1E

The pH of a solution is the negative logarithm of the H+ concentration in the solution, i.e,

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

Explanation of Solution

The pH of the solution is negative logarithm of the H+ concentration in the solution. Thus, the higher is the H+ concentration of the solution, the lower is the pH and vice versa. A higher H+ concentration indicates a strongly acidic solution while a lower H+ concentration denotes a basic solution. Thus, acidic solutions have low pH and basic solutions have high pH.

Conclusion

The pH and H+ concentration are related as

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