Pure water has a hydrogen ion concentration of 1 × 10−7 M and a pH of 7. A student measures a basic solution and finds that it has a hydrogen ion (H+) concentration of 1 × 10−3. Explain why the student must have made an error in her measurement.

Question

kc_kennylau · Answer

because the pH of a basic solution must be greater than 7 :)

kc_kennylau · Answer

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

kewlgeek555 · Answer

Oh!  Well, I knew that!  I'm so sorry for taking your time.  It's just that the way they worded this was lie confusing and I thought they wanted me to prove that water cannot be anything but pH of 7, but now I know that they are asking me to prove that basic solutions must be greater than 7.  Thanks.

kc_kennylau · Answer

glad to know that I helped you :)