Calculate the pH of a 1.0 × 10^-5 M solution of HCl. Be sure your answer has the correct number of significant figures.

1 answer

To calculate the pH of a solution of HCl, we need to use the formula:

pH = -log[H+]

Given that HCl is a strong acid, it completely dissociates into H+ and Cl-. Therefore, the concentration of H+ ions in a 1.0 × 10^-5 M solution of HCl is also 1.0 × 10^-5 M.

Now, plug this value into the formula:

pH = -log(1.0 × 10^-5)
= -(-5.00)
= 5.00

Therefore, the pH of a 1.0 × 10^-5 M solution of HCl is 5.00. This value has two significant figures since the original concentration had two significant figures.