pH Calculator
A pH Calculator is a tool used to determine the pH level of a solution, which measures how acidic or basic (alkaline) it is. pH is based on the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the solution and is expressed on a scale from 0 to 14:
- 0–6: Acidic (like lemon juice, vinegar)
- 7: Neutral (like pure water)
- 8–14: Basic/Alkaline (like baking soda, bleach)
Why use a pH Calculator?
- Chemistry experiments: pH levels affect chemical reactions.
- Health and biology: pH balance is crucial in the human body, like blood and stomach acidity.
- Agriculture: Soil pH affects plant growth.
- Water quality: Ensures safe drinking water and balanced aquariums or pools.
How does a pH Calculator work?
The pH of a solution is calculated using the formula:
Where:
- [H⁺] is the concentration of hydrogen ions in moles per liter (mol/L)
- log is the logarithm (base 10)
For example:
If the hydrogen ion concentration is 1×10−3mol/L:
This tells us the solution is acidic.
When would you use a pH Calculator?
- In labs: For titration experiments and preparing solutions.
- In health: Monitoring acidity in medical tests or skincare.
- For home use: Checking pH of pool water, soil, or homemade cleaning solutions.
- In industries: Like food production, pharmaceuticals, and environmental testing.