Question

The optimum pH for growing strawberries is 6.5, whereas the optimum pH for growing blueberries is 4.5. Therefore, the number of hydrogen ions needed to grow strawberries is _______ the number needed for blueberries. Choose the correct option for the blank.

Answer 1

Answer: 100

Step-by-step explanation:

pH is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution.

pH is calculated by taking negative logarithm of hydrogen ion concentration.

`pH=-\log [H^+]`

a) optimum pH for growing strawberries is 6.5

Putting in the values:

`6.5=-\log[H^+]`

`[H^+]=3.16* 10^(-7)M`

b) optimum pH for growing blueberries is 4.5

Putting in the values:

`4.5=-\log[H^+]`

`[H^+]=3.16* 10^(-5)M`

The ratio of hydrogen ions needed to grow strawberries is to the number needed for blueberries is
`(3.16* 10^(-7)M)/(3.16* 10^(-5)M)=(1)/(100)`

Thus the number of hydrogen ions needed to grow strawberries is 100 times the number needed for blueberries.