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. a solution has an ( h^+ ) concentration of ( 1 \times 10^{-3} ). what is its ph? ( ph = square )

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the pH formula

The formula for pH is \( pH = -\log(H^+) \), where \( H^+ \) is the hydrogen ion concentration. Here, \( H^+ = 1\times10^{-3} \).

Step2: Substitute the value into the formula

Substitute \( H^+ = 1\times10^{-3} \) into the formula: \( pH = -\log(1\times10^{-3}) \).

Step3: Simplify the logarithm

We know that \( \log(1\times10^{-3})=\log(10^{-3}) \), and by the property of logarithms \( \log(a^b)=b\log(a) \), so \( \log(10^{-3})=-3\log(10) \). Since \( \log(10) = 1 \), then \( \log(10^{-3})=-3 \).

Step4: Calculate the pH

Now, \( pH = -(-3)=3 \).

Answer:

3