Acids, Bases, & pH Section 2.6
Learning Objectives Contrast acids and bases & discuss their properties. Convert the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution to a pH value. Describe how buffers help minimize changes in pH.
Pure Water is Neutral Water dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) One water molecule breaks down into one of each ion H+ and OH- are equal in concentration Since H+ and OH- are equal in concentration pure water is neutral pH = 7
Acids & Bases Acid = a solution that has more hydrogen ions (H+) than hydroxide ions (OH-) pH < 7 Donates H+ ions Base = a solution that has more hydroxide ions (OH-) than hydrogen ions (H+) pH > 7 Accepts H+ ions
(Higher concentration of H+) (Lower concentration of H+) pH scale The pH Scale Each pH unit represents a tenfold change in concentration of H+ Logarithmic scale H+ OH– Lemon juice; gastric juice (Higher concentration of H+) Increasingly ACIDIC Grapefruit juice Acidic solution Tomato juice Urine NEUTRAL [H+] = [OH–] PURE WATER Human blood Seawater Neutral solution (Lower concentration of H+) Increasingly BASIC Milk of magnesia Household ammonia Household bleach Oven cleaner Basic solution Figure 2.15
pH Indicators http://pbskids.org/zoom/activities/sci/cabbagejuiceindicato.html Boiled cabbage creates a bluish juice that can be used to test pH of substances Turns blue in bases Turns red in acids http://www.uni-regensburg.de/Fakultaeten/nat_Fak_IV/Organische_Chemie/Didaktik/Keusch/Grafik/cabbage.gif
pH Indicators Other indicators: pH paper Blue litmus paper Turns red in acids Red litmus paper Turns blue in bases phenolphthalein turns pink in presence of bases http://www.bio-world.com/images/061036.jpg http://www.howe.k12.ok.us/~jimaskew/litmus.jpg http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/organic_lab/distribution/dist13.gif
Calculating Ion Concentrations [H+] [OH-] = 1 x 10-14 Ex. If [H+] = 0.001, then what is the [OH-]? Answer: [OH-] = 1 x 10-11 pH 7 is 1 x 10-7 Practice Problem: What pH is a solution that has a [H+] of 1 x 10-10 ? Answer: pH 10
Buffers Buffer = substance that resists pH change Accepts H+ ions when they are in excess and donates H+ ions when they are depleted Cells need a stable pH in order to function properly Most cells have a pH close to 7