pH and pOH are values derived from the concentration of either [H+] or [OH-] which generally describe the acidity or basicity of the solution. It is the -log of the concentration of H+ and OH- present in the solution. The sum of pH and pOH is equivalent to 14.
We...
See This Answer Now
Start your subscription to unlock this answer and thousands more. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
pH and pOH are values derived from the concentration of either [H+] or [OH-] which generally describe the acidity or basicity of the solution. It is the -log of the concentration of H+ and OH- present in the solution. The sum of pH and pOH is equivalent to 14.
We can summarize the relationship as follows:
pH + pOH = 14
pH = -log [H+]
pOH = -log [OH-]
For pH = 4:
pOH = 14 - pH
pOH = 14 - 4
pOH = 10
pH = -log [H+]
4 = -log [H+]
[H+] = 10^(-4)
[H+] = 1.0x10^-4 = 0.0001
pOH = -log [OH-]
10 = -log [OH-]
[OH-] = 10^(-10)
[OH-] = 1.0x10^-10
pH > 7 basic
pH < 7 acidic
pH = 7 neutral
pH = 4 < 7 therefore the solution is acidic :)