Skip to main content
Ch.16 - Acid-Base Equilibria
Chapter 16, Problem 4c

The probe of the pH meter shown here is sitting in a beaker that contains a clear liquid. (c) Why is the temperature given on the pH meter?
A pH meter probe in a beaker of clear liquid, displaying a pH of 10.51 and temperature of 23.6°C.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
1m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

pH Measurement

pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution, quantified on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, below 7 indicates acidity, and above 7 indicates alkalinity. The pH meter uses a probe to measure the hydrogen ion concentration in the solution, providing a precise reading of the solution's pH level.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:52
Units of Radiation Measurement

Temperature's Effect on pH

Temperature can significantly influence the pH of a solution. As temperature increases, the ionization of water changes, which can affect the concentration of hydrogen ions and thus the pH reading. Therefore, pH meters often display temperature to allow for accurate interpretation of pH values, as adjustments may be necessary based on the temperature.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:26
Photoelectric Effect

Calibration of pH Meters

pH meters require calibration to ensure accurate measurements. This process involves using standard buffer solutions with known pH values to adjust the meter's readings. Calibration is essential because the performance of the pH probe can drift over time due to factors like temperature changes, electrode aging, or contamination, affecting the reliability of the pH readings.
Recommended video:
Related Practice
Textbook Question

At 50 °C, the ion-product constant for H2O has the value Kw = 5.48 * 10-14. (a) What is the pH of pure water at 50 °C? (b) Based on the change in Kw with temperature, predict whether ΔH is positive, negative, or zero for the autoionization reaction of water: 2 H2O1l2 Δ H3O+1aq2 + OH-1aq2

2723
views
Textbook Question

The indicator methyl orange has been added to both of the following solutions. Based on the colors, classify each statement as true or false: (a) The pH of solution A is definitely less than 7.00.

672
views
Textbook Question

The probe of the pH meter shown here is sitting in a beaker that contains a clear liquid. You are told the liquid is pure water, a solution of HCl(aq), or a solution of KOH(aq). (b) If the liquid is one of the solutions, what is its molarity?

1099
views
Textbook Question

The following diagrams represent aqueous solutions of three acids, HX, HY, and HZ. The water molecules have been omitted for clarity, and the hydrated proton is represented as H+ rather than H3O+. (a) Which of the acids is a strong acid? Explain.

587
views
Textbook Question

The following diagrams represent aqueous solutions of three acids, HX, HY, and HZ. The water molecules have been omitted for clarity, and the hydrated proton is represented as H+ rather than H3O+.(b) Which acid would have the smallest aciddissociation constant, Ka?

545
views
Textbook Question

The following diagrams represent aqueous solutions of three acids, HX, HY, and HZ. The water molecules have been omitted for clarity, and the hydrated proton is represented as H+ rather than H3O+.(c) Which solution would have the highest pH?

1941
views
1
rank