Question

The measured pH of the H2SO4 solution in water is 1.8. Calculate the volume of water needed to add to 1.00 L of this solution to increase the pH to 2.55 (The pH scale problem)

Answer 1

$H_2SO_4 \rightarrow 2H^++SO_4^-$

pH=-ln([H⁺])

2.55=-ln([H⁺])

[H⁺]=10^-2.55=0.00282 M - we need

1.8=-ln([H⁺])

[H⁺]=10^-1.8=0.01585 M - we have

$0.00282=0.01585/V_{solution}$

$V_{solution}=0.01585/0.00282=5.62 l$

$V_{solution}=V_{initial} + V_{add}$

$V_{add}=V_{solutuon}-V_{inittlial}=5.62-1=4.62 l$

Answer: We need to add 4.62 l of water.