Question

A scientist is calculating the pH levels of vinegar and dish detergent. He uses the

formula pH = –log[H+]. [H+ v] for vinegar is 6.3 × 10–3. [H+d] for dish detergent is
10–12. What is the difference of the pH levels for vinegar and dish detergent?

Answer 1

The difference in the pH levels of vinegar and dish detergent is approximately -9.80.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scientist is calculating the pH levels of vinegar and dish detergent using the formula pH = –log[H+]. The hydronium ion concentration of vinegar ([H+v]) is 6.3 × 10–3 and the hydronium ion concentration of dish detergent ([H+d]) is 10–12. The difference in the pH levels can be found by subtracting the pH of dish detergent from the pH of vinegar.

We know that the pH scale is logarithmic, so a pH difference of 1 corresponds to a difference of a factor of 10 in hydronium ion concentrations. The pH of vinegar is given by -log[6.3 × 10–3] which is approximately 2.20, and the pH of dish detergent is -log[10–12] which is approximately 12. Therefore, the difference in pH levels is 2.20 - 12 = -9.80.