MC test: The pH scale

Multiple choice test on 8.3 The pH scale

Use the following 'quiz' to test your knowledge and understanding of this sub-topic. You will need access to a periodic table (Section 6 of the IB data booklet).

If you get an answer wrong, read through the explanation carefully to learn from your mistakes.

What is the hydrogen ion concentration in a solution with a pH of 8?

pH = −log10[H+(aq)] so if the pH is 8 then [H+(aq)] = 1 x 10−8 mol dm−3

 

 What will be the concentration of hydroxide ions in a solution with a pH of 4?

The ionic product of water = [H+(aq) x [[OH(aq)] = 1 x 10−14. If the pH = 4 then [H+(aq) = 1 x 10−4 so [OH(aq)] = 1 x 10−10 mol dm−3.

 

Which will have a pH of 2?

I. 10.0 cm3 of a solution of 0.01 mol dm−3 hydrochloric acid, HCl(aq).

II. 1000 cm3 of a solution of 0.02 mol dm−3 hydrochloric acid, HCl(aq).

III. 500 cm3 of a solution of 0.01 mol dm−3 hydrochloric acid, HCl(aq).

pH depends only upon the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution not on the volume of solution.

 

10.0 cm3 of a strong acid solution has a pH of 3.

What will be the pH of the solution when it is diluted by adding 90.0 cm3 of distilled water?

[H+(aq)] changes from 1 x 10−3 mol dm−3 to 1 x 10−4 mol dm−3, i.e. it is diluted 10 times, so the new pH will be 4.

 

Which solution will have the highest pH?

Ethanoic acid, CH3COOH and sulfuric acid, H2SO4 are both acids with pH < 7. Distilled water has a pH =7 and ammonia solution is alkaline with a pH > 7.

 

When the pH of a solution changes from 12 to 9 what is the change in the hydroxide ion concentration?

[H+(aq)] x [OH(aq)] = 10−14. At pH 12, [H+(aq)] = 10−12 mol dm−3 so [OH(aq)] = 10−2 mol dm−3 ; at pH 9, [H+(aq)] = 10−9 mol dm−3 so [OH(aq)] = 10−5 mol dm−3 . The change in [OH(aq)] is from 10−2 to 10−5 mol dm−3 so it has decreased one thousand times.

 

Which solution will have the lowest pH?

[H+(aq)] in 0.100 mol dm−3 H2SO4 = 2 x 10−1 mol dm−3, so the pH < 1.

 

What volume of 0.0200 mol dm−3 sodium hydroxide solution must be added to 25.0 cm3 of a solution of hydrochloric acid with a pH of 2 to produce a solution with a pH of 7?

The pH = 2, so the concentration of the HCl(aq) = 0.0100 mol dm−3. pH 7 is a neutral solution so the volume of 0.0200 mol dm−3 NaOH(aq) required = 12.5 cm3.

 

Which solution will have a pH greater than 11?

NaCl(aq) is neutral with a pH of 7. [OH(aq)] for 0.001 mol dm−3 NaOH(aq) = 0.001 mol dm−3 so pH = 11.  [OH(aq)] for 0.001 mol dm−3 Ba(OH)2(aq) = 0.002 mol dm−3 so pH > 11. 

 

What will be the pH of the resulting solution after 25.0 cm3 of 0.100 mol dm−3 sulfuric acid solution, H2SO4(aq) has been added to 25.0 cm3 of 0.200 mol dm−3 potassium hydroxide solution, KOH(aq)?

H2SO4 + 2KOH → K2SO4 + 2H2O. So 25.0 cm3 of 0.200 mol dm−3 KOH will react exactly with  25.0 cm3 of 0.100 mol dm−3 H2SO4 to produce a neutral solution with a pH of 7.

 

Total Score:

All materials on this website are for the exclusive use of teachers and students at subscribing schools for the period of their subscription. Any unauthorised copying or posting of materials on other websites is an infringement of our copyright and could result in your account being blocked and legal action being taken against you.