Question detail
A strong base has a hydroxide ion concentration of 0.1 mol/dm³. Calculate the pH of this solution.
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Acids and bases (A-level only)
Question
A strong base has a hydroxide ion concentration of 0.1 mol/dm³. Calculate the pH of this solution.
Answer
The pH of the solution is 13.
Explanation
First, we calculate the pOH using the formula pOH = -log[OH⁻]: pOH = -log(0.1) = 1. Since pH + pOH = 14, we find pH = 14 - 1 = 13. This shows the basicity of the solution.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding pH Calculation
Students often confuse the pH of strong acids and bases, thinking that concentration directly translates to pH without considering the logarithmic scale.
To calculate pH from hydrogen ion concentration, use the formula pH = -log[H⁺]. For example, if the concentration of H⁺ is 0.01 mol/dm³, substitute this value into the formula: pH = -log(0.01) = 2. Therefore, the pH is 2.
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