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Question

The pH of a solution, whose hydrogen ion concentration is 1 × 10 -5 mole per litre, will be ________.

This question was previously asked in
RRB ALP 2018 CBT 2 Fitter Question Paper (21-Jan-2019) (Shift 3)
The correct answer is

5

Understanding pH and Hydrogen Ion Concentration

The question asks us to determine the pH of a solution given its hydrogen ion concentration. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It is defined based on the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) present in the solution.

Calculating pH from Hydrogen Ion Concentration

The pH of a solution is calculated using the negative logarithm (base 10) of the molar concentration of hydrogen ions. The formula is:

\(\text{pH} = -\log_{10}[\text{H}^+]\)

Where \([\text{H}^+]\) represents the molar concentration of hydrogen ions in moles per litre.

Applying the pH Formula to the Given Concentration

We are given that the hydrogen ion concentration, \([\text{H}^+]\), is \(1 \times 10^{-5}\) mole per litre.

Now, let's substitute this value into the pH formula:

\(\text{pH} = -\log_{10}(1 \times 10^{-5})\)

Using the properties of logarithms, we know that \(\log_{10}(a \times b) = \log_{10}(a) + \log_{10}(b)\). So, we can write:

\(\text{pH} = -(\log_{10}(1) + \log_{10}(10^{-5}))\)

We also know that \(\log_{10}(1) = 0\) and \(\log_{10}(10^x) = x\). Applying these rules:

\(\text{pH} = -(0 + (-5))\)

\(\text{pH} = -(-5)\)

\(\text{pH} = 5\)

Therefore, the pH of the solution with a hydrogen ion concentration of \(1 \times 10^{-5}\) mole per litre is 5.

Analyzing the Options

The calculated pH is 5. Let's compare this with the given options:

  • Option 1: 6
  • Option 2: 5
  • Option 3: 4
  • Option 4: 7

Our calculated pH matches Option 2.

Final Conclusion on pH Calculation

Based on the calculation using the definition of pH, the solution with a hydrogen ion concentration of \(1 \times 10^{-5}\) mole per litre has a pH of 5.

Hydrogen Ion Concentration (\([\text{H}^+]\)) Calculation pH
\(1 \times 10^{-5}\) mol/L \(-\log_{10}(1 \times 10^{-5})\) 5

Revision Table: Key Concepts of pH

Concept Description Formula
pH Measure of acidity/alkalinity; related to hydrogen ion concentration. \(\text{pH} = -\log_{10}[\text{H}^+]\)
\([\text{H}^+]\) Molar concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in mol/L.
Acidity/Alkalinity pH < 7 is acidic; pH = 7 is neutral; pH > 7 is alkaline (basic).

Additional Information: The pH Scale and Water

The pH scale typically ranges from 0 to 14, though values outside this range are possible for very strong acids or bases. A neutral solution, like pure water at 25°C, has a pH of 7. This is because the concentration of hydrogen ions \([\text{H}^+]\) and hydroxide ions \([\text{OH}^-]\) are equal, both being \(1 \times 10^{-7}\) mol/L. Solutions with pH less than 7 are acidic, meaning they have a higher concentration of \([\text{H}^+]\) than \(1 \times 10^{-7}\) mol/L. Solutions with pH greater than 7 are alkaline (or basic), meaning they have a lower concentration of \([\text{H}^+]\) than \(1 \times 10^{-7}\) mol/L (and a higher concentration of \([\text{OH}^-]\)).

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