UNIT 22: TASK 3 - CALIBRATING A pH METER AND CALCULATING THE CONCENTRATION OF

[H+] IONS
WHAT IS pH? The exact definition of what the letters pH stands for is unclear but the general consensus is power of Hydrogen. The pH is defined as minus the decimal logarithm of the hydrogen ion activity in a solution: pH = -log [H+]. The log = logarithm (on calculator). The square brackets with H+ inside is the concentration of H+ ions. This formula can be used directly to calculate the pH of strong acids and bases ONLY. When acids and bases are added to water they dissociate (break up) into there ions for example with the strong acid hydrochloric acid: HCl H+ + ClIf we know what the concentration (units: mol dm-3 or sometimes abbreviated to M) is for [H+] ions then we can calculate the pH. Calculate the pH of hydrochloric acid (HCl) that has a concentration of 0.1 mol dm-3. (depends on your calculator) pH = -log [H+] => pH = -log [0.1] - log 0.1 = you should get a pH=1

Key these on to your calculator:

What happens if you were given the pH = 1 then asked to calculate the [H+] concentration: WHY CALIBRATE A pH METER?

One must make sure that the pH meter is reading the correct pH when testing different chemicals. Therefore one has to check with solutions that have a specific pH such as water (pH=7) whether the pH meter is reading pH 7.

CALIBRATING A pH METER
METHOD FOR CALIBRATION
1.

Dip 4cm of the pH meter in a sample of distilled water or buffer at pH = 7 until you get a stable reading. If its pH=7.00 then its fine. If not then adjust the screw until you get a reading of pH = 7.00. solution at pH = 4. Allow the reading to stabilize. Adjust the screw if required.

2. Rinse the pH meter with distilled water and then dip it in a sample of buffer

3. Rinse the pH meter with distilled water and then dip it in a sample of buffer

solution at pH = 10. Allow the reading to stabilize. Adjust the screw if required. Now you are ready to test the pH of acids and alkalis.

TESTING THE pH OF ACIDS AND ALKALIS

Now test the pH of acids and alkalis. Make sure you rinse the pH meter in between each tests. Record your results in the following table and calculate the [H+] concentration following the method shown on page 1.

Name of acid/alkali

pH

[H+] concentration (mol dm-3)

QUESTIONS
Q1.
Complete a list (in the tables below) of examples of everyday materials that have acid or alkaline properties: Acidic Properties (or contains acids) Alkaline Properties (or contains alkalis)

Q2. What is the difference between a base and an alkali?

Q3. Acid + Base Salt + Water e.g. HCl + NaOH NaCl + H2O Complete the following equations: NaOH + H2SO4

Ca(OH)2 + HNO3

Calculate the missing values Compound

Hydrochloric Acid Sodium Carbonate Sodium Hydroxide Sulphuric Acid 13.86 18.0 mol dm-3 3

pH
2.0

[H+] concentration
9.0 x 10-9 mol dm-3

Acid / Base (or Neutral)