Question

What is the pH of a solution of \( 0.01 \, \text{M} \, \text{HCl} \)?

• A. \( 1 \)
• B. \( 2 \)
• C. \( 4 \)
• D. \( 0 \)

Hint:

For strong acids like \( \text{HCl} \), the pH is simply calculated by taking the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the given data. - Concentration of \( \text{HCl} \), \( [\text{H}^+] = 0.01 \, \text{M} \) - \( \text{HCl} \) is a strong acid and dissociates completely in water, so the concentration of hydrogen ions is the same as the concentration of the acid. Step 2: Use the formula for pH. The pH is calculated using the formula: \[ \text{pH} = -\log [\text{H}^+] \] Substitute the given concentration of hydrogen ions: \[ \text{pH} = -\log(0.01) \] \[ \text{pH} = -\log(10^{-2}) = 2 \] Answer: Therefore, the pH of the solution is \( 2 \).