Question

ph measures the acidity of a substance, and is described by the equation ph = - log (h+), where h+ is the concentration of hydrogen - ions. the table below characterizes the acidity of a substance based on its ph.
ph\tacidity
ph<7\tacidic
ph = 7\tneutral
ph>7\tbasic
a substance has an h+ concentration of 1 × 10 - 2. find its ph, then determine if it is basic, neutral, or acidic.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall pH formula

The formula for pH is \(pH =-\log[H^{+}]\), where \([H^{+}]\) is the hydrogen - ion concentration.

Step2: Substitute given value

We are given that \([H^{+}]=1\times 10^{-2}\). Substitute this into the pH formula: \(pH =-\log(1\times 10^{-2})\).

Step3: Calculate the logarithm

We know that \(\log(1\times 10^{-2})=- 2\) (since \(\log_{10}(a\times10^{n})=n\) when \(a = 1\) in base - 10 logarithm). Then \(pH=-(-2)=2\).

Step4: Determine acidity

Since \(pH = 2<7\), the substance is acidic.

Answer:

The pH of the substance is 2 and it is acidic.