Define pH. Give two ways of measuring the pH of a solution - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question a - 2007

1. Universal indicator
2. pH paper or pH meter.

A solution with a pH of 7.5 is considered basic, as it has a pH greater than 7, indicating a lower concentration of hydrogen ions in comparison to pure water.

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong base that dissociates completely in solution. Thus, the concentration of hydroxide ions [OH^-] is equal to the concentration of NaOH.

First, calculate the pOH:

egin{equation} pOH = - ext{log}_{10}(0.01) = 2 \end{equation}

Then, use the relationship between pH and pOH:

egin{equation} pH + pOH = 14 \end{equation}

So,

egin{equation} pH = 14 - 2 = 12 \end{equation}

Thus, the pH of a 0.01 M solution of sodium hydroxide is 12.