The concentration of hydrogen ion in a sample of soft drink is 3.8 × 10–3M. what is its pH ? ?

To determine the pH of a soft drink with a hydrogen ion concentration of 3.8 × 10^-3M, we can use the pH formula, which is defined as the negative logarithm (base 10) of the hydrogen ion concentration. The formula is expressed as:

Understanding the pH Formula

Mathematically, the pH is calculated using the following equation:

pH = -log₁₀[H⁺]

Where [H⁺] represents the concentration of hydrogen ions in moles per liter (M).

Calculating the pH

Given that the concentration of hydrogen ions in the soft drink is 3.8 × 10^-3M, we can substitute this value into the pH formula:

pH = -log₁₀(3.8 × 10^-3)

Breaking Down the Calculation

To perform the calculation, we can break it down into two parts:

• First, calculate the logarithm of the concentration: log₁₀(3.8 × 10^-3).
• Then, take the negative of that result.

Using a calculator, we find:

log₁₀(3.8 × 10^-3) ≈ -2.42

Now, applying the negative sign:

pH ≈ -(-2.42) = 2.42

Interpreting the Result

The calculated pH of approximately 2.42 indicates that the soft drink is quite acidic. For context, a pH of 7 is considered neutral, while values below 7 indicate acidity. Soft drinks typically have pH values ranging from about 2 to 4, which is consistent with our result.

Why pH Matters

Understanding the pH of beverages like soft drinks is important for several reasons:

• Taste: Acidity contributes to the flavor profile of the drink.
• Health: High acidity can affect dental health and overall consumption recommendations.
• Preservation: The pH can influence the stability and shelf life of the product.

In summary, the pH of the soft drink with a hydrogen ion concentration of 3.8 × 10^-3M is approximately 2.42, indicating a highly acidic nature. This understanding can help consumers make informed choices about their beverage options.