Final answer:
The pH of the cleaning compound with a hydrogen ion concentration of [H+] = 2.4 x 10⁻¹² is calculated using the formula pH = -log[H+]. By taking the negative log of the hydrogen ion concentration, you arrive at the pH which indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the pH of a cleaning compound with a hydrogen ion concentration of [H+] = 2.4 x 10⁻¹², you use the formula pH = -log[H+].
For the given compound:
- Insert the given concentration into the formula: pH = -log(2.4 x 10⁻¹²).
- Use a calculator to find the negative log of the hydrogen ion concentration. Press the log button, enter 2.4 x 10⁻¹², and then take the negative of this value.
- The result is the pH of the cleaning compound. For example, if we assume the negative log of 2.4 x 10⁻¹² is approximately 11.62, then pH = 11.62.
The pH scale is a logarithmic measure that defines the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, with a pH of 7 being neutral.