How Do You Calculate Hydrogen Ion Concentration?
A hydrogen ion concentration in a solution results from the addition of an acid. Strong acids give a higher concentration of hydrogen ions than weak acids, and it is possible to calculate the resulting hydrogen ion concentration either from knowing the pH or from knowing the strength of the acid in a solution. Solving with a known pH is easier than solving from the acid dissociation constant and the initial concentration. Check to determine whether the information provided contains the pH or the pOH of the solution. Calculate hydrogen ion concentration by taking 10 to the power of the negative pH. For example, for a solution of pH 6.5, the hydrogen ion concentration would be 1 * 10^-6.5, which equals 3.16 * 10^-7. Scientists have defined pH as a logarithmic shortcut for hydrogen ion concentration. This means that pH equals the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. Subtract the pOH from 14 (pH and pOH always add up to 14) to arrive at the pH, if faced with a pOH number o
