Question

Calculate the pH of a 0.050 M HNO3 solution.

Answer 1

In chemistry, pH is a measure of the activity of the (solvated) hydrogen ion. p[H], which measures the hydrogen ion concentration, is closely related to, and is often written as, pH.

$$\mathrm{HNO_3} \rightarrow \mathrm{H^+} + \mathrm{NO_3^-}$$

HNO₃ is a strong acid that is fully dissociates. It means that [H⁺] = [HNO₃]

$$\mathrm{pH} = -\log[\mathrm{H^+}]$$ $$-\log(0.050) = 1.30$$