What is the pH of a 0.01 M solution of the strong acid HClO4, perchloric acid?

1 Answer
anor277
May 11, 2016

pH=−log10[H3O+]=−log10(10−2)=2

Explanation:

This question may be answered without a calculator. We are asked to take the logarithm to the base 10 of 10−2, which is clearly −2, why? We are then asked to give the negative value of that logarithm.

Perchloric acid is exceptionally strong, and undergoes complete ionization in water:

HClO4(aq)+H2O(aq)→H3O++ClO−4

Now not only do you have to learn how to take logarithms, you also have to learn how to take antilogarithms, if asked to find concentrations given a pH, see here .

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